Driving change on the world stage
We’re a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Taskforce. We co-ordinate key milestones focused on advocacy and engagement, including World Meningitis Day.
Our role in World Meningitis Day
We’re Meningitis Research Foundation, an international charity based in the UK. We are the co-ordinators of World Meningitis Day. Founded in 2009 by our member network, the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), it’s a global call to raise awareness of meningitis. To inform and educate communities. To demand the healthcare improvements that will save lives.
What is meningitis and why is action needed?
Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It’s usually caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection.
Every year, this devastating disease affects around 2.3 million people around the world. Meningitis can strike suddenly and progress rapidly. It can kill within hours. For survivors it often has life-long implications, such as hearing loss or epilepsy. Meningitis places a heavy burden on families, communities and healthcare systems.
Every year, this devastating disease affects around 2.3 million people around the world. Meningitis can strike suddenly and progress rapidly. It can kill within hours. For survivors it often has life-long implications, such as hearing loss or epilepsy. Meningitis places a heavy burden on families, communities and healthcare systems.
What we're doing
We want to see a world free from meningitis. Here’s what we’re doing to help make it happen.
Creating a global moment to save lives
Every year since 2009, a global community of people affected by meningitis has come together to mark World Meningitis Day. People from 135 countries took action in 2024.
Igniting action from experience
Through our Race to 2030 programme, we’re making sure that people affected by meningitis are at the heart of the WHO’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030.
Be part of World Meningitis Day 2025
Defeating meningitis starts with you. Join us on 5th October to show that you believe in a world free from meningitis and be part of the change.