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. Read the first blog in the series here.
The meningitis belt and beyond
Around half of all meningitis cases and deaths occur in the 26 countries of the African Meningitis Belt, where several factors make the disease more likely. Hot, dusty conditions in this region can damage the throat and lungs, making it easier for meningitis-causing pathogens to enter the body. However, meningitis is a global threat that can affect anyone, anywhere and awareness of signs, symptoms and risks is low globally. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 states the urgent need to raise awareness of the disease among all populations.
Meningitis Research Foundation’s latest research, conducted in partnership with UNICEF, reveals gaps and opportunities for improving meningitis communications across the Meningitis Belt. But our findings can provide a path for evaluating and improving outreach in other places too, to ensure that everyone knows the actions to take to protect their families and communities.
Low awareness of lifelong impacts
While our research sample was small and regionally specific, our close review of outreach materials in the Meningitis Belt revealed important opportunities to enhance communications. One gap in meningitis messages concerns the long-term impacts of infection and the need for aftercare and support (see “Key Messaging”). This is a crucial area for further research in all regions.
Regardless of where it occurs, meningitis infection can result in life-changing disabilities. One in five people who recover from bacterial meningitis will experience long-term impacts that can include limb loss, seizures and deafness. Extended care can be hard to access and is exacerbated by gaps in understanding about the long-term effects of meningitis – even amongst healthcare providers.
Our Meningitis In Your Words series shares experiences from people and families across the world whose lives have been forever altered by meningitis. We have heard from survivors like Chris Almazan in the US. His infection as an infant caused lifelong hearing and vision problems and he lives with persistent, daily challenges.
“Life with after effects [of] meningitis is a continuing struggle. Through work, social, and everything else that comes my way. But as survivors, you can push forward and prove not only to everyone else, but yourself, that your life is valuable.”
Read more stories.
Building on our research findings and drawing from the materials submitted by respondents, we have supplemented our report with practical guidance for practitioners and organisations planning outreach on meningitis. This includes suggestions for key messages on critical topics, including long-term impacts and aftercare. These tools aim to provide useful information to improve awareness and understanding of meningitis.
