It’s time to pick your side
Meningitis is devastating and debilitating, but together, we can help fight back. All it takes is for you to understand its risks, recognise its symptoms, speak to your healthcare professional about ways to protect yourself, trust your instincts if you suspect meningitis, and, most importantly, always get medical help fast. Fly the Meningitis Flag and help spread awareness of these simple actions.
Defeating meningitis: play your part
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by an infection (1). Bacterial meningitis is the most common dangerous type of meningitis, and it is largely preventable. (1) However, despite substantial progress in the last two decades, meningitis remains one of the world’s top infectious disease killers. (2)
These numbers underpin the importance of our work to raise awareness of symptoms and prevention options:
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Over 2.5 million people globally are affected by meningitis each year. (3)
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Tragically, 1 in 10 die from meningitis. (3)
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Meningitis can progress rapidly, leaving little time to act and it can lead to death within 24 hours. (1)
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2 in 10 survivors are left with life-changing disabilities, such as brain injury or limb loss. (1)
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Half of all meningitis-related deaths occur in children under the age of 5, although people of all ages can be affected. (4)
Know the symptoms, trust your instincts and seek professional medical advice quickly if you suspect someone is unwell.
Join the fight
The meningitis community is a powerful force for progress. However, unlike other conditions, it has never had a unifying symbol it can rally behind. Until now.
The Meningitis Flag was created by the meningitis community, for the community, in partnership with three para-athletes affected by the disease, CoMO members, Meningitis Research Foundation, textile designer Laura Spring and Sanofi. It aims to increase public understanding of meningitis and to give those affected a voice, to ensure they receive the support they need to achieve their full potential. The Flag also aims to support the vision of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 (4).
What it means to fight back
Hear from world-class para-athletes whose lives have been affected by meningitis.
My family was really the most important thing when I got meningitis… thanks to my relatives, my parents, my entourage, I knew how to put negative things aside and think more positively. To get out of this headspace as quickly as possible and dream no matter what.”
Théo Curin, Para-swimming
Sport plays a big part in my life. When I was younger, I used to go to a thing called LimbPower Games, where I got to be with other children that lost limbs and try out new sports… and it was the first time I ever saw someone like me swim. And then after that I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Ellie Challis, Para-swimming
My support first began in the hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit thanks to doctors who were well-prepared. And then I received very important support from the Spanish Association Against Meningitis who immediately contacted me to offer moral support, not only to me, but also to my relatives.”
Davide Morana, Para-athletics
Leading the charge
Hear from CoMO’s advisory council and regional coordinators.
Fly the Meningitis Flag with our awareness pack
Use these free resources to fly the flag for defeating meningitis. Click the links to download.
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Webpage banner (935 x 526px or 1920 x 1080px)
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Poster (A4 or US letter size)
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Sticker sheet (print on to an adhesive sheet)
Are you a company and would like to support the defeating meningitis movement by using the Meningitis Flag? If so, contact info@meningitis.org.
References
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WHO. Meningococcal meningitis. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis [Accessed April 2024]
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Meningitis Research Foundation and the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations. Defeating Meningitis. Our Strategy 2021-2025. Available at: https://www.meningitis.org/getmedia/e90224ae-ea97-47cb-88a6-2730d1606a96/Meningitis-Research-Foundation_5-year-strategy_21-25 [Accessed January 2024]
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World Health Assembly endorses the 1st ever resolution on meningitis prevention and control. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/13-01-2021-world-health-assembly-endorses-the-1st-ever-resolution-on-meningitis-prevention-and-control [Accessed April 2024]
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WHO. Defeating meningitis by 2030: a global road map, 2021. Available at https://www.who.int/initiatives/defeating-meningitis-by-2030[Accessed April 2024]