The Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) will join hands with world-renowned photographer Anne Geddes and Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics as the Global Partner for a new awareness project, Protecting Our Tomorrows: Portraits of Meningococcal Disease, to strengthen the global fight against meningococcal disease, a common cause of meningitis.
The global launch of this unique photography project took place today in London and was attended by the celebrated photographer and global advocate for children Anne Geddes.
During the project, Anne Geddes will partner with meningitis charities from around the world along with CoMO to meet and photograph families who have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia. Through a series of emotive and inspirational photographs of survivors, the Protecting Our Tomorrows: Portraits of Meningococcal Disease campaign aims to educate parents about the threat of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia as well as the importance of prevention. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control bacterial meningitis and septicaemia however children are not currently protected against all types.
Anne Geddes commented: “I’ve never met a parent who didn’t prioritise their children’s health and future above all else. Now we need to empower parents to understand the dangers associated with meningitis. It is my goal that these images will capture the inspiration and strength of these survivors while illustrating the life-changing impact this disease has on families every year.”
CoMO President Bruce Langoulant added: “CoMO is proud to be part of this special project that will help the world see the impact meningitis can have on innocent children, adolescents and their families. As with many of our members, I have personally witnessed the devastation of bacterial meningitis with my daughter. Together we are committed to making sure others don’t have to experience the nightmare of this disease. We still live in a world where current vaccines don’t protect against all causes of bacterial meningitis and as a result it is critical parents remain vigilant and know the signs and symptoms. This campaign helps us to share our life-saving messages to families worldwide”.
Anne, who has taken some of the most celebrated images of childhood throughout a 30-year career, has already met with three survivors in Australia and will now work with UK meningitis charities over the coming months to identify and photograph inspiring stories of meningitis survivors. These images will be curated with others from the rest of the world within a special photo book to convey the sudden and profound impact of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. The book will be launched on 24 April 2014 to mark the annual World Meningitis Day led by CoMO.
The global Protecting Our Tomorrows: Portraits of Meningococcal Disease campaign is supported by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics.