Tell your story

Meningitis in your words is a digital collection of meningitis experiences from around the world. Entries are written by people who have directly experienced meningitis. Our goal is to collect 2,030 stories. This figure reflects the WHO’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030, to help show international leaders the true impact of the disease.

Personal stories play a critical role in raising awareness of meningitis. They can increase understanding of its impact, contributing to a global effort to drive change and save lives.

Everyone has their own reason for sharing their story. It might be to offer hope, to raise awareness, or to help prevent others from going through a similar experience. By adding your voice, you become one of the 2,030 stories standing in solidarity with those affected by meningitis and supporting the Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030.

Meningitis is devastating. Its impact can be life-changing – not just for the person affected, but also for their family, friends and the wider community.

If meningitis has touched your life in any way – whether you, a loved one or a friend has been directly impacted, or you’re a healthcare professional working with those affected by meningitis – we’d love to hear about your experience.

1. Tell your story. Fill out the online form and share your experience in your own words, using English or your native language.
2. Look out for a notification. Once you’ve submitted your story, you’ll receive email confirmation letting you know it’s been added to Meningitis in your words.
3. Raise awareness. Help amplify your story. Use the share buttons on the page or copy the link in your browser to share on your social media platforms.
4. Join the movement. Mark World Meningitis Day by sharing your story. Use the hashtags #WorldMeningitisDay and #DefeatMeningitis. Be part of a global effort to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out.

Sharing personal experiences helps us tell the story of why meningitis must be defeated. All stories submitted will be included in Meningitis in your words. Entries and images may be used in awareness-raising activities around the world. This includes campaigns, videos, future publications, presentations, on our website and on social media. This can be over several years (because we like to make the most use of everything we do).

Once your story has been added to Meningitis in your words, share it with your network. You can post it any time on your social media platforms. Consider sharing it on 5th October to mark World Meningitis Day and help raise awareness worldwide.