In a significant move to combat meningitis globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its first-ever comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of meningitis. These guidelines aim to accelerate detection, ensure timely treatment, and enhance long-term care for those affected by the disease. By consolidating the latest evidence-based recommendations, the WHO seeks to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by meningitis, which remains a major global health threat despite available treatments and vaccines.
Bacterial meningitis is the most severe form of the disease and can be fatal within 24 hours. In 2019, approximately 2.5 million meningitis cases were reported worldwide, including 1.6 million bacterial cases that resulted in about 240,000 deaths. Around 20% of individuals who contract bacterial meningitis develop long-term complications, such as disabilities that significantly impact quality of life. The disease also imposes substantial financial and social burdens on individuals, families, and communities.
The new guidelines are designed for healthcare professionals in first- and second-level facilities, including emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services. They provide recommendations for both non-epidemic and epidemic settings, superseding previous guidelines from 2014. The guidelines are part of the broader “Defeating Meningitis by 2030” initiative, which aims to eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce vaccine-preventable cases by 50%, and decrease deaths by 70%. This initiative also focuses on improving disease surveillance, enhancing care for those affected, and increasing advocacy and engagement to combat meningitis effectively.
Meningitis disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa’s “meningitis belt,” where recurrent epidemics of meningococcal meningitis are common. By implementing these guidelines, WHO hopes to strengthen health systems, improve clinical management, and ultimately save lives. The guidelines are adaptable for resource-limited settings, making them a valuable tool for healthcare providers and policymakers worldwide.
