Help light the road ahead
Join us at 20:30 (8:30pm) on World Meningitis Day. Together, let’s create a global chain of light to remember those whose lives have been changed by meningitis.
Meningitis: a medical emergency
Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It can affect anyone, anywhere at any time. Meningitis is largely preventable, but people still die in less than 24 hours. This is why we must act now to defeat it.
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2.5million people are affected globally each year.
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1 in 5survivors of bacterial meningitis live with lifelong disabilities.
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1 in 3deaths from meningitis are in children under five.
I want people to know that there can be life after meningitis. Some people face devastating consequences, but others, like me, are lucky enough to recover fully. I’m 24 now, the fittest I’ve ever been and working as a Police Community Support Officer, which I love.
Get involved
Spread life-saving awareness
Our free toolkit has messaging, logos and email banners as well as social media and print materials. Every share brings us one step closer to a world free from meningitis.
Tell your story
We’re collecting 2,030 stories for 2030. Share your meningitis experience to help global leaders understand its true impact and to help those affected feel less alone.
Making an impact: igniting global change
In 2025, 76% of World Health Organization (WHO) member states participated in World Meningitis Day. This was just a few countries short of the 80% Road Map target, making it the biggest year to date.
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148countries took action on World Meningitis Day.
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419buildings were illuminated around the world.
Join the global movement to defeat meningitis
Sign up to Meningitis Research Foundation’s monthly newsletter. You'll hear about the latest science and health policy developments. And you'll stay up to date about the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO)'s activities. This is our global network of meningitis groups and advocates.