The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first-ever global guidelines for meningitis diagnosis, treatment, and care, aiming to reduce deaths and disability caused by the disease. According to WHO, bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form and can become fatal within 24 hours, with an estimated 2.5 million cases reported globally in 2019, resulting in approximately 240,000 deaths.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of meningitis in children and adults, addressing diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, adjunctive treatment, supportive care, and management of long-term effects. They also cover both bacterial and viral causes, and provide guidance for non-epidemic and epidemic settings.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of implementing these guidelines, stating, “Bacterial meningitis kills one in six of the people it strikes, and leaves many others with lasting health challenges. Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems.”
The guidelines are part of the broader Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Roadmap, which aims to eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50%, and deaths by 70%, and reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
