Meningitis Progress Tracker

See the full burden and impact of meningitis. Our tool uses up-to-date and accessible data to tell the story of the disease and how we can defeat it.

214,000

estimated meningitis deaths in 2021

43%

are children under 5

In November 2020, the World Health Assembly approved the first global plan for tackling meningitis, with the goal of defeating the disease by 2030.
This blog series explores key findings from our 2024 research report Meningitis health communications: Examining channels, messaging and best practice in the African Meningitis Belt. Conducted in partnership with UNICEF, our research investigated practices, barriers, needs and opportunities for greater awareness.

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Beyond meningitis

Many people don’t want to be defined by their illness. Here, they share their stories of personal growth, pursuing their passions and fulfilling their ambitions. Explore real life stories
Danny Seear's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Danny Seear's story Diagnosis and early surgeries A few days after I was born, my mum noticed I was sleeping a lot more...
CoMO Member
Jesse Whitson's full story
  • USA
  • Bacterial meningitis, Meningococcal
  • Young Adult 20-25
Jesse Whitson's story In 2010, when I was 23 years old and before the adverts for vaccines were on television, I contracte...
Annette Fury's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis, GAS (Group A streptococcal)
  • Adult 25-59
Annette Fury's story My name is Annette and just over two years ago at the age of 58, I contracted bacterial meningitis. ...
Provide a lifeline for those in need
Provide a lifeline for those in need
£6/€7.20/$8 pays for a 30 minute call from a trained support officer.

They listen to the issues faced by someone struggling with the impact of meningitis, and provide detailed information and support.