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1 in 6 people who get bacterial meningitis die. Tragically, around half of meningitis deaths are children under 5.

World Meningitis Day: 5th October 2024

Meningitis is a devastating and debilitating infection that can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Every year people come together on World Meningitis Day to raise awareness and encourage global action to defeat this disease.

Meningitis: a medical emergency in every language

There are more than 2.5 million cases of meningitis worldwide every year. It kills 1 in 10 people, and tragically, around half of meningitis deaths are children under 5.

 

1 in 5 survivors will live with life-long disabilities including hearing loss, brain damage, limb loss and epilepsy.

smiling group of mixed children lying on grass in the sunshine

World Meningitis Day: how it all began 

World Meningitis Day is the annual moment to unite and help save lives. It was first started by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations, which became part of the Meningitis Research Foundation in 2021. Every year since 2009, a global community of people affected by meningitis has been coming together to mark World Meningitis Day, expanding its reach and impact. 

health walk campaigners holding information signs

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#DefeatMeningitis #WorldMeningitisDay

Stay informed

Sign up to the Meningitis Research Foundation’s monthly newsletter and find out how we are working to defeat meningitis. Each email is packed with the news on the latest science, meningitis vaccines, and health policy developments. You can also learn more about what is being achieved by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations - our global network of meningitis groups and advocates. 

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© Meningitis Research Foundation and Confederation of Meningitis Organisations
A charity registered in England and Wales no 1091105, in Scotland no SC037586, & in Ireland 20034368
A company limited by guarantee, registered in England no 4367866
Registered Office: Room 703, The Programme Building 7th Floor, The Pithay, Bristol BS1 2NB

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