WHO releases new roadmap to defeat meningitis
- World Health Organization (WHO) launched the first ever global strategy to battle meningitis,
- The strategy ‘Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030’, aims to prevent infections and improve care and diagnosis for those affected.
- According to the WHO, 250,000 people die annually from bacterial meningitis.
Meningitis
- Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- It is predominantly caused by bacterial and viral infection.
- Meningitis caused by bacterial infection causes around 250,000 deaths a year and can lead to fast-spreading epidemics.
- It kills a tenth of those infected mostly children and young people and leaves a fifth with long-lasting disability, such as seizures, hearing and vision loss, neurological damage, and cognitive impairment.
- Meningitis is most common in the ‘Meningitis Belt,’ which spans 26 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
Aim of New roadmap
- 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
Goal of Roadmap
- By 2030, the goals are:
- To eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis—the deadliest form of the disease.
- To reduce deaths by 70% and halve the number of cases.