Exciting developments for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) are currently in discussion.
Last week (November 12), the World Health Assembly agreed targets that will help to reduce the impact of meningitis globally. This follows MRFs campaigning, call for action and work with partners on this topic.
Meningitis now occupies a key position on the global health agenda with the
green light for of the World Health Organization’s new initiative – ‘Defeat Meningitis by 2030: a Global Road Map'.
To ensure the roadmap’s success, MRF will strengthen collaborations around the world. To this aim, MRF is currently discussing a merger with the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO). CoMO is an international member organisation working to reduce the incidence and impact of meningitis worldwide. CoMO brings together patient groups, health professionals and organisations, meningitis survivors and families from more than 35 countries to help prevent meningitis.
MRF and CoMO believe this merger would maximise the potential benefits of the new roadmap over the coming years and help us achieve the roadmaps goals.
CoMO staff have been sharing the same office as MRF staff since 2015 and we already have a strong relationship, working closely together on many initiatives.
Outwardly, it is unlikely you will notice many differences as the names of the organisations are remaining and all of the vital work of both organisations continue. It also won’t change who you are in touch with at MRF.
However, a merger should help us keep overhead costs as low as possible whilst at the same time making it easier to share information and therefore to work more efficiently towards common goals.
The initial meetings have been successful and CoMO Member organisations voted this week to progress with the merger. This now needs agreeing formally by both Boards and we are hopeful a final decision will be possible by the end of this year. We will keep you updated on these exciting developments.