World Meningitis Day is marked every year on 5 October aiming to raise awareness about meningitis - a potentially deadly disease that can kill in a matter of hours or cause lifelong disability. This global event serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by this life-threatening disease.
Every year since 2009, a global community of people affected by meningitis has come together to mark World Meningitis Day. The first ever resolution on prevention and control of meningitis was adopted at the Seventy-Third World Health Assembly in November 2020. With the respective Defeating meningitis by 2030: a global road map, WHO leads efforts to eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce cases, deaths and disability, and improve the quality of life after meningitis.
This year’s World Meningitis Day theme is “United in the race to defeat meningitis”; to emphasize the partnerships needed worldwide to eliminate this disease by 2030.
In 2019, there were 1.6 million new cases of bacterial meningitis reported worldwide, resulting in 236,000 deaths and with infants and young children bearing the highest burden. Meningitis continues to be a major global public health challenge, exacerbated by epidemics of new strains in some regions, which can spread between countries thus, posing risks of global outbreaks, if not effectively managed. This debilitating disease can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. It can kill within 24 hours. It often has life-long health implications for survivors, and serious social and economic consequences for their families. Additionally, it is one of the leading causes of neurological disability, impacting individuals for a lifetime.
Bacterial meningitis constitutes a significant public health threat within the WHO South-East Asia Region, accounting for approximately 27% of global cases and 19% of global deaths. In this Region, the estimated attack rate for meningitis due to the main bacterial causes combined (meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae), is about 7.6 per 100,000 population, with an associated case fatality rate of about 18.0 %.
There are several challenges faced by the Region in the fight against meningitis. Disease burden estimates are constrained by variations in meningitis epidemiology and public health response data, stemming from non-uniform surveillance systems across the Region. In addition, effective prevention and epidemic control depend on achieving and maintaining at least 90% coverage of existing vaccines, developing new vaccines, and improving other prevention strategies, including raising more awareness on this disease. Regional capacity for the detection of acute bacterial meningitis pathogens, access to care, as well as the management of acute cases and sequelae, need to be assessed and improved. To address these challenges, the Region is finalizing a regional implementation framework that aligns with Defeating meningitis by 2030: a global road map.
In the South-East Asia Region, achieving the goals of the global Road Map will require focus on the implementation of five critical pillars of prevention and epidemic control, diagnosis and treatment, disease surveillance, support and care for people affected by meningitis, and advocacy and engagement. Although meningitis can strike anywhere and its impact can be devastating, collectively, we can make great strides in preventing its spread through improving awareness and vaccination, while also providing support for those who have been affected.
Vaccines are available for several types of bacterial meningitis. Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines against meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) provide protection against these common causes of meningitis. As of 2024, all countries in the Region have introduced Hib vaccine. Eight countries have introduced pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), while seven countries use meningococcal vaccines for special populations, such as travelers or pilgrims. In 2023, seven countries achieved more than 90% coverage for the third dose of the Hib vaccine, and four countries achieved at least 80% coverage for PCV.
In its fight against meningitis, the WHO South-East Asia Region has a vision where everyone, everywhere and at every age fully benefits from vaccines against meningitis. This vision includes safeguarding people and economies from the impact of public health emergencies due to meningitis, while also valuing, promoting and protecting the mental health of those affected by meningitis. Share information about meningitis with friends and family to raise awareness. The more people know about the symptoms and prevention, the better we can protect our communities.
On this World Meningitis Day, we reiterate our support to all countries in our Region to accelerate equitable progress in eliminating meningitis and contributing to overall health and well-being for all. Meningitis is a serious health threat, but with awareness, vaccination, and prompt medical attention, we can reduce its impact. Stay informed, prioritize your health, and the health of those around you!