Light the road ahead

Anyone. World Meningitis Day is about drawing attention to a global health issue that needs to be defeated. We’d love as many people as possible to light the road ahead, wherever they are in the world.

Last year we were grateful to have the support of so many individuals, families, organisations and landmarks around the world on October 5^th. We’d love your help to make this World Meningitis Day bigger and brighter than ever.

Meningitis kills within hours. For survivors, it often has lifelong health implications. But for every family and every community touched by meningitis, there is hope, there is light.

Making the World Health Organization’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 a reality will:

• Eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics.
• Reduce disabilities caused by meningitis.
• Save the lives of more than 920,000 people.

Countries worldwide have committed to this vision. But everyone has a role to play to ensure governments all over the world act on it and make this our reality by 2030.

This World Meningitis Day, show your support for the WHO’s Global Road Map. Help light the road ahead to remember everyone who has lost their life, or had their life changed forever, because of meningitis.

Let’s make this World Meningitis Day a global moment of unity and hope, as we race towards 2030.

We want to create a global chain of light. So we’re asking people, wherever they are in the world, to participate at their local time of 20:30 (8:30pm), on the 5^th October. The time chosen is a symbolic reference to WHO’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030.

But don’t feel this is the only time to share your pictures. Many people participate at the time that suits them on the day. Don’t forget to use the campaign hashtags #WorldMeningitisDay and #DefeatMeningitis to show people what you’re doing and be part of the conversation.

It’s up to you. Choose something that’s safe, visible and meaningful to you. It could be anything from a candle in your window or lights in your garden to lighting up a landmark. Any light can be a powerful symbol of hope and remembrance. See examples here.

Absolutely. Anyone can help light the road ahead, no matter where they are in the world. Just light up something at 20:30 (8:30pm your local time). Share the moment on social media using #WorldMeningitisDay to show your support and be part of the global conversation.