Investing to defeat meningitis and beyond

Book excerpt: Meningitis is deadly and debilitating; it strikes quickly, has serious health, economic and social consequences, and affects people of all ages in all countries of the world. Defeating Meningitis by 2030 – A Global Road Map sets out a plan to tackle the main causes of acute bacterial meningitis. This innovative initiative addresses meningitis not only as an infectious disease that can often be prevented and treated, but also with the absolute need for support and care for people living with disabling sequelae after an episode of meningitis. To defeat meningitis resources are required at all levels. The financing needs to implement the road map have been calculated and categorized to maximize the effect of every dollar invested. Investing in meningitis, will prevent cases of disease, cases of long-lasting sequelae and save lives. Strong multidisciplinary collaborations allowed the road map design to be one that will generate impact beyond meningitis, particularly by combining efforts with other health initiatives at local, national, regional and global levels. Investments called for in this document will strengthen primary health care systems including diagnosis, treatment and care – acting as a powerful lever for recognizing disability and improving access to support and rehabilitation – and providing benefits far beyond meningitis. All 194 WHO Member States have committed to defeating meningitis by 2030. Now investment is needed to not only reduce the avoidable pain and suffering caused by meningitis but to enable better health outcomes beyond meningitis.