What is the Road Map?
The WHO’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 is the first global plan to tackle the disease. It was developed with input from people affected by meningitis, alongside experts, governments and civil society organisations, including Meningitis Research Foundation and the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO). It sets out priority actions to defeat meningitis as a public health threat by 2030.
One key goal is for at least 80% of WHO member states to take part in World Meningitis Day. People from 135 countries got involved in World Meningitis Day 2024. That’s over two thirds of WHO member states, making it the biggest year to date. We aim to make 2025 even bigger to help us reach this target.
One key goal is for at least 80% of WHO member states to take part in World Meningitis Day. People from 135 countries got involved in World Meningitis Day 2024. That’s over two thirds of WHO member states, making it the biggest year to date. We aim to make 2025 even bigger to help us reach this target.
When my daughter died, I died. Meningitis is a devastating disease, and no one should suffer from it. It’s vital to keep in mind it can happen to anyone.Deidre Fredericks, mother of Chelsea, founder of the Meningitis Association of South Africa and CoMO member
How is taking action on World Meningitis Day helping to defeat meningitis by 2030?
Countries worldwide have committed to the vision of the WHO’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030. But we all have a role to play in making that vision a reality. World Meningitis Day is a key opportunity to raise awareness. And it’s a chance to push for funders and policymakers to integrate the goals of the Road Map into national action plans to defeat meningitis.
Whether you’re sharing health information, telling personal stories or helping light the road ahead, supporting World Meningitis Day makes a difference. Taking action supports the Road Map and brings us closer to defeating meningitis globally.
What impact does World Meningitis Day have?
World Meningitis Day takes place every year on the 5th October. The campaign began in 2009 with CoMO members holding events in five countries. Today, it’s a global movement with millions of people all over the world taking part. In just three years, the number of countries supporting World Meningitis Day has increased by 181%.
A platform for change
In 2024, CoMO members around the world used the day to raise awareness, spark conversations and strengthen global connections. Here's how it helped our CoMO members make an impact:
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90%of members said it helped them to get people talking about meningitis.
Support World Meningitis Day 2025
Show your support on 5th October. Help us to make this year’s World Meningitis Day bigger and better.