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World Meningitis Day: a call to action against a global threat

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World Meningitis Day: a call to action against a global threat

On October 5th, World Meningitis Day was marked by a powerful call to action from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who reflected on the inspiring words of athlete and explorer Andrea Lanfri: “the limits are just in our mind.” Dr. Tedros called for a united effort to put an end to this deadly disease, emphasizing the urgency of global commitment to combat meningitis.

In a nod to resilience, special recognitions were extended to the Paralympians who competed in the Games leading up to World Meningitis Day, in particular to Ms. Ellie Challis and Ms. Anne Strike, both of whom shared their journeys with meningitis and polio, inspiring many with their stories.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and athlete and explorer Andrea Lanfri. Credit: WHO

To bolster global efforts, WHO has released an operational manual to aid countries in developing national meningitis plans, aligned with the Defeating Meningitis by 2030 roadmap. This manual encourages countries to set tailored objectives and engage local stakeholders, promoting a collaborative approach to effectively tackle meningitis.

Brazil has set a commendable example by convening national stakeholders to launch its plan ahead of World Meningitis Day, showcasing how concerted efforts can lead to significant progress. As we remember the impact of meningitis, Dr. Tedros’s message serves as a clarion call for action to protect communities everywhere from this serious illness.

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