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.

Great North Run 2025


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Healthcare Heroes

Stories that celebrate the compassion and commitment of healthcare professionals, and the vital role they play in treating and supporting people with meningitis. Explore real life stories
Anita Delandro's full story
  • Australia
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Toddler 1-3
Anita Delandro's story I had an episode at age eighteen months, but had two further episodes before the cause was discovere...
Hayley Tamaddon's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Hayley Tamaddon's story Actress, Hayley Tamaddon, famous for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, contracted mening...
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.