World Meningitis Day: celebrating member impact

World Meningitis Day (5^th October) was created by CoMO members back in 2009 and it never fails to amaze us what incredible activities members get up to to raise awareness of meningitis around the world. In this article, we give a sneak preview of a few of our member plans to mark the day.

From bumper sticker campaigns across the United States to school clubs in Africa, these planned projects show the creativity and passion of CoMO members. Their efforts remind us that progress to defeat meningitis comes in many forms and that everyone can play a part.

Read about their activities below and explore the campaign toolkit to get inspiration on how you can raise awareness this World Meningitis Day. 

CoMO members driving change across the Americas 

American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP): “Drive Out Meningitis” 

ASMP is hitting the road with a nationwide campaign bumper sticker project for World Meningitis Day.

Their bumper sticker project “Drive Out Meningitis” is rolling out across all 50 U.S. states. They’re sending out bumper stickers countrywide to “Drive out Meningitis”. The stickers are designed to spark conversations and encourage people to learn more about meningitis and how to prevent it. 

To amplify the campaign, ASMP has launched a collaborative playlist called “Anthems for Action”, featuring songs chosen by meningitis advocates and survivors. CoMO members are invited to suggest tracks that inspire them, whether it’s a song that helped them through recovery or one that fuels their advocacy. 

Lighting up Costa Rica 

In Costa Rica, Carlos Mesa, who experienced meningitis himself, is leading a campaign that combines visibility with storytelling. Landmarks across Costa Rica will be lit up to mark World Meningitis Day as part of the “Light the road ahead” initiative, accompanied by bilingual posters that share key facts and survivor stories. 

CoMO members leading initiatives in Africa 

Care and Development Centre: training for impact in Nigeria 

In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the Care and Development Centre is partnering with the World Health Organization’s regional office, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board to deliver a vital training programme. 

This World Meningitis Day Project will equip 23 clinicians with the latest WHO guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment and care of meningitis. Training clinicians with this life-saving knowledge is an incredibly impactful and lasting way to help defeat meningitis. 

Brian Nambale: building awareness through school clubs in Uganda 

This World Meningitis Day, Brian Nambale is empowering young people to become advocates for meningitis awareness. Brian has established meningitis clubs in five schools, creating safe spaces for students to learn about meningitis in fun and engaging ways. 

On World Meningitis Day, club leaders will come together for a special event focused on recognising symptoms, playing educational games and taking part in “meningitis challenges” designed to reinforce key messages. These activities not only build knowledge but also foster community engagement among students. 

CoMO members spreading awareness in Asia Pacific

Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand (MFANZ): raising awareness through lighting up landmarks, rugby and a sponsored walk

MFANZ have doubled the success of their Light Up Landmark campaign last year, with 43 landmarks lit in purple, including iconic sports stadiums, Eden Park in Auckland and the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. People will be encouraged to visit the landmarks, take pictures and share them. Check out their socials to take a look.  

The Mid Canterbury Rugby Union is holding a rugby game on October 5, in support of World Meningitis Day. The game is broadcast live on SKY Sports, with a half-time interview with Chair of MFANZ Gerard Rushton. Proceeds from ticket sales and specially designed rugby jerseys auctioned after the game will all be donated to the charity.  

Mum Todd, whose son Dion tragically lost his life to meningitis in 2018, has created a fundraising campaign Moving for Meningitis. This involves Todd walking 170Km in the lower South Island, over 20 days to raise awareness of meningitis, its symptoms and prevention. You can support the campaign here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/moving-it-for-meningitis 

CoMO members taking action in Europe 

ACT for Meningitis: personal stories in the Irish press 

ACT for Meningitis is planning a multi-channel campaign to mark World Meningitis Day. They’ll be sharing family stories in national newspapers, arranging radio interviews and using social media to spread awareness. These personal narratives help connect the public to the real-life impact of meningitis and the importance of prevention. 

ACT is also working with the Irish Health Service Executive to increase engagement and push for broader vaccine rollout. Their goal is to ensure key messages reach people through every available media channel, making meningitis visible and actionable. 

Ludovic Pezé: spotlighting meningitis in Monaco 

In Monaco, Ludovic Pezé is using personal social media channels to raise awareness and is hoping to have the Prince’s Palace illuminated in purple for World Meningitis Day. This symbolic gesture would be a powerful statement of support from one of Europe’s most recognisable landmarks. 

Ludovic is also using sport to increase meningitis awareness. The CoMO logo and meningitis flag will be featured on a racing car during a major event in the United States. By using athletes to influence, this initiative brings meningitis advocacy to people who may never have known about it. 

Get involved this World Meningitis Day 

You don’t need to do a large-scale project to take part in World Meningitis Day. Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference. 

Quick and easy ways to get involved: 

• Create your own social media post, perhaps sharing a personal story.  

• Share a social media asset on your social media channels. 

• Light a candle, take a picture and post it at 20:30 (8:30pm) local time on social media.

Follow our social media channels and like, comment and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #WorldMeningitisDay when sharing on your social media channels. Visit the World Meningitis Day website to explore the campaign toolkit and find the best way to take part.