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 the practices, barriers, needs and opportunities for greater awareness.
Recognising the value of global health days
On the 5th of October, people around the world will raise their voices to focus global attention on meningitis and share personal stories of its wide-reaching impact.
In 2023, people in 126 countries took action on World Meningitis Day and momentum to defeat the disease continues to build. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) published their investment case for defeating meningitis. This critical document also sets out the importance of World Meningitis Day for raising awareness of meningitis, its signs, symptoms and risks.
The power of speaking with one voice
Our analysis of communications practices in the African Meningitis Belt highlighted the value of global health days. The advocates, healthcare workers and officials we consulted stated that these days provide a valuable opportunity to share unified and wide-reaching messages about health risks. Almost all respondents participated in these days, with World Immunization Week in April cited most often. International Day of Persons with Disabilities and World Meningitis Day were observed by 48% and 40% of respondents, respectively.
Barriers to effective communication
But our research also found that communicators often lack the resources for planning and executing outreach, on World Meningitis Day and in general. Funding for meningitis health communications is scarce and, in many places, unavailable. This leaves a vital gap in the ability of advocates, healthcare workers and officials to reach communities with life-saving information. This includes sharing information about vaccine campaigns and clinical support.
The value of shared resources
Free resources created by organisers and supporters of global health days can help to address this gap. They enable communicators with limited time and funding to support and amplify key messages. What is more, these resources can provide a foundation for more tailored messaging. Our research respondents report that they regularly adapt existing materials to align with local needs. For example, one participant highlighted the value of a poster developed in Swahili for World Meningitis Day in 2020. The poster, designed for the general public, emphasizes that vaccination is the best way to prevent meningitis.
Credit: Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO)
Addressing this need for shared resources, the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations develops a toolkit for World Meningitis Day every year.
This toolkit is available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. Advocates, organisations and individuals around the world are encouraged to come together on 5th October every year to highlight the importance of defeating meningitis.
Reaching key audiences
Funding shortfalls also highlight the importance of policymakers as an audience for outreach on global health days and routinely throughout the year. Engagement with policymakers can inform government policy on prevention, care and long-term support of meningitis survivors.
Everyone should know about the risks of meningitis, and anyone can raise their voice to call for action and spread awareness. Our research highlights the importance of global health days. With World Meningitis Day just around the corner, October 5th offers a powerful opportunity to drive change.
Learn how you can get involved at www.worldmeningitisday.com