WHO launches first-ever global guidelines to combat meningitis and save lives
While meningitis can affect anyone, the disease burden is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries and areas experiencing large-scale epidemics, like the ‘Meningitis Belt’ in sub-Saharan Africa.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its inaugural global guidelines aimed at enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and care of meningitis patients worldwide.
These new guidelines aim to accelerate detection, guarantee prompt treatment, and improve long-term care, providing a vital resource for decreasing deaths and disabilities caused by the disease.
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Meningitis continues to pose a significant global health threat, even with the availability of vaccines and treatments for certain types.
The disease causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, with bacterial meningitis being the most dangerous and potentially fatal, with death occurring within 24 hours if untreated.
The WHO reports that one in six people with bacterial meningitis dies, and many others face lasting health challenges.
Symptoms of meningitis include fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion and sensitivity to light. Infants may also experience bulging fontanelles.
WHO’s new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations that are expected to reduce mortality and improve patient care.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasised the impact of the guidelines.
“Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems,” Tedros said.
While meningitis can affect anyone, the disease burden is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries and areas experiencing large-scale epidemics, like the ‘Meningitis Belt’ in sub-Saharan Africa.
In response, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has developed a National Meningitis Elimination Plan, which aligns with WHO’s global roadmap to eliminate meningitis by 2030.
The plan focuses on prevention, diagnosis, epidemic control, and advocacy efforts.
With these new guidelines, health providers around the world will be better equipped to manage meningitis, aiming to save lives and reduce the long-term complications that often result from the disease.
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