Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030

September 29, 2021

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The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners launched the first-ever global strategy to defeat meningitis.

About

The strategy, the Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030, aims to prevent infections and improve care and diagnosis for those affected.
It also aims to eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis — the deadliest form of the disease — and to reduce deaths by 70 per cent and halve the number of cases.
The strategy could save more than 200,000 lives annually and significantly reduce the disability caused by the disease.
Aims and Objectives

Achievement of high immunisation coverage, development of new affordable vaccines and improved prevention strategies and outbreak response
Speedy diagnosis and optimal treatment for patients
Good data to guide prevention and control efforts
Care and support for those affected, focusing on early recognition and improved access to care and support for after-effects
Advocacy and engagement, to ensure high awareness of meningitis, accountability for national plans, and affirmation of the right to prevention, care and after-care services.

Meningitis

It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is predominantly caused by bacterial and viral infections.
It is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge.
The disease can be caused by many different pathogens including bacteria, fungi or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.
It kills a tenth of those infected — mostly children and young people — and leaves a fifth with long-lasting disabilities, such as seizures, hearing and vision loss, neurological damage, and cognitive impairment.
Meningitis epidemics have occurred in the last decade in all regions of the world.
- But it is most common in the ‘Meningitis Belt,’ which spans 26 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
Transmission: The bacteria that cause meningitis are transmitted from person to person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers.
Treatment: Several vaccines protect against meningitis, including meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal vaccines.
- However, not all communities have access to them. Many countries are yet to introduce them into their national programmes.

Research is underway to develop vaccines for other causes of meningitis, such as Group B Strep bacteria.

Source: DTE