WHO launches first-ever global guidelines for meningitis management
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global approaches for analysing, treating, and managing meningitis.
These policies seek to reduce detection, ensure prompt medical intervention, and improve long-term patient care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its first global guidelines aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of meningitis. This landmark initiative is designed to accelerate early detection, ensure timely medical intervention, and enhance long-term care for patients suffering from the disease.
Aiming to Reduce Meningitis Deaths and Disabilities
Despite the availability of vaccines and effective treatments for some forms of meningitis, the disease remains a major global health threat. Bacterial meningitis, the most dangerous type, can be fatal within 24 hours if not treated promptly. According to WHO, there were approximately 2.5 million meningitis cases worldwide in 2019, with 1.6 million attributed to bacterial infections. The disease claimed about 240,000 lives that year alone.
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Supporting the ‘Defeating Meningitis by 2030’ Global Roadmap
These new guidelines support the broader “Defeating Meningitis by 2030” Global Roadmap, adopted by WHO Member States in 2020. The roadmap outlines ambitious goals, including:
- Eliminating bacterial meningitis epidemics
- Reducing vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis cases by 50%
- Cutting related deaths by 70%
- Improving quality of life and care for those living with long-term effects
WHO Emphasizes Urgent Need for Action
“Bacterial meningitis kills one in six of the people it strikes and leaves many others with lasting health challenges,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems.”
Closing Gaps in Diagnosis and Treatment
With this guidance, WHO provides countries with an essential tool to address existing gaps in meningitis care. The aim is to ensure that more patients around the world receive prompt and effective treatment, along with the long-term support they need for recovery and rehabilitation.