By Bunmi Yekini
In a move aimed at reducing the death toll and long-term complications caused by the disease worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of meningitis.
The guidelines, announced on Thursday, are based on the latest scientific evidence and are designed to equip frontline health workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with tools to detect meningitis early, deliver prompt treatment, and provide long-term care for survivors.
“Bacterial meningitis kills one in six of the people it strikes, and leaves many others with lasting health challenges,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems.”
Meningitis, especially the bacterial form, remains one of the most serious global health threats. In 2019 alone, the disease caused an estimated 2.5 million cases globally, including 1.6 million bacterial infections that led to around 240,000 deaths. Survivors often face devastating after-effects, including neurological disabilities, hearing loss, and cognitive impairments. WHO estimates that 1 in 5 people who survive bacterial meningitis suffer long-term complications.
The burden is highest in the so-called “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa, where recurrent epidemics have left communities particularly vulnerable. WHO says the new guidelines will be essential for health professionals in both non-epidemic and epidemic contexts, replacing earlier protocols issued in 2014.
“These guidelines were developed with the realities of resource-limited settings in mind, where the need is greatest, and the impact can be most profound,” said Dr. Marie-Pierre Preziosi, Director of the Meningitis Program at WHO. “They empower primary and secondary level health workers with life-saving tools to respond effectively.”
The guidelines offer comprehensive, age-appropriate recommendations for children over one month, adolescents, and adults. They cover all aspects of clinical management—from diagnosis and antibiotic therapy to supportive care and managing long-term effects.
They are also a key component of the “Defeating Meningitis by 2030” global strategy adopted by WHO Member States. The roadmap aims to eliminate meningitis epidemics, reduce vaccine-preventable cases by half, cut deaths by 70%, and ensure better quality of life for survivors.
To meet these targets, WHO emphasizes five strategic pillars: faster diagnosis and treatment, stronger prevention and epidemic control, enhanced surveillance, improved long-term care, and greater public awareness.
“We now have a roadmap, and these guidelines are the engine that will drive us forward,” Dr. Preziosi added.
Health ministries, policymakers, civil society organizations, and academic institutions are expected to integrate the guidelines into national health systems, training programs, and care strategies in the coming months.
With meningitis still claiming lives and futures, especially in the world’s most vulnerable regions, WHO says the time for action is now.