Meningitis: A Call to Action

Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection affecting the lining of the brain and spinal cord. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the extended meningitis belt from Senegal to Ethiopia, this disease has historically posed a significant threat.

Prior to 2010, Group A meningococcus was responsible for 80–85% of cases in this region, with epidemics occurring every 7–14 years (WHO, n.d.). Ghana is among the globally identified countries within the meningitis belt and has faced persistent meningitis challenges. The Northern region of Ghana, in particular, continues to report high disease prevalence, exacerbated by extreme heat and climate variability during the dry season.

Although recent outbreaks have been less frequent, the long-term impact includes high rates of post-meningitis disability. Those affected or recovering from meningitis require ongoing care and support. Ghana continues to strengthen its health systems and has made significant progress in addressing meningitis, including implementing a mass preventive immunization campaign targeting Group A meningococcus in 2012, which has successfully reduced the incidence of this strain (MoH, n.d.). However, since the Group A meningococcus outbreak, additional outbreaks have occurred involving different bacterial strains, including N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae, all of which are vaccine-preventable (CDC, 2017).

This highlights that disinformation and misinformation about vaccination remain significant challenges. It is crucial for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and government counterparts to collaborate in addressing these issues by ensuring effective policy implementation, responsiveness, and adequate budgetary support.

The Defeating Meningitis Road Map 2030 is a WHO initiative approved by member countries during the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly in November 2020, under resolution WHA73.9. This Road Map outlines five interconnected themes that should be applied in Ghana to address its meningitis challenges (WHO, 2021): Prevention and epidemic control focused on developing new, affordable vaccines, achieving high immunization coverage, and improving prevention strategies and epidemic response. Diagnosis and treatment emphasizing the need for rapid testing of meningitis and optimal management of cases. Disease surveillance aiming to enhance surveillance systems to guide meningitis prevention and control efforts. Care and support addressing the importance of early recognition, improved access to care, and post-meningitis support for those affected, their families and caregivers.

Advocacy and engagement seeking to ensure high awareness of meningitis, integrate it into national plans, and improve access to prevention, care, and aftercare services. It is incumbent upon countries to ensure that the objectives are incorporated into national health policies and other mainstream programs to achieve their full attainment. The success of these resolutions and their objectives also requires the collaboration of both local and international organizations.

In this regard, Concern Health Education Project, as a member of the global network the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO), is encouraging countries to assess their progress towards the WHO Defeating Meningitis Road Map 2030 and to recommit to its goals and ideals.
Today on August 20th, we, as CSOs and partners, urge policy makers, decision makers, and the government to adhere to the objectives outlined in the Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030. We invite everyone to join us for World Meningitis Day on October 5th, 2024, as we declare this call to action and launch a series of activities to mark the day.

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Meningococcal disease outbreak in the United States, 2016. MMWR Weekly, 66(30). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6630a2.htm Ministry of Health Ghana. (n.d.). Press statement: Meningitis situation in Ghana by Dr. Franklin Asare-Bekoe. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.gh/press-statement-meningitis-situation-in-ghana-dr-franklin-asare-bekoe/ World Health Organization. (2021). Defeating meningitis by 2030: A Global Road Map. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/initiatives/defeating-meningitis-by-2030 World Health Organization. (n.d.). Meningococcal meningitis. Retrieved from https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/meningococcal-meningitis. About Concern Health Education Project Concern Health Education Project (CHEP) is a legally registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Ghana with the objective of Promoting and Educating the population in the area of Health using Advocacy through Volunteer-related programs. CHEP engages in vaccine-preventable diseases promotions and prevention campaigns including meningitis. The NGO again engages through Human Rights using right-based Advocacy.

We promote Environmental Rights and Climate Change Issues and its linkages to health in participatory community action approaches and informal learning to provide the cutting edge to problem solving. Find out more on our website – https://concernhealthepgha.wixsite.com/my-site and on social media – https://www.facebook.com/ConcernHealthEducationProject About the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations The Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) is a worldwide network of people and groups who are driven by a shared purpose to defeat meningitis.

By coming together to share their diverse experience and expertise, they are a formidable global force against this life-threatening condition. CoMO is the member network of Meningitis Research Foundation, an international health charity headquartered in the UK, driven by a passionate mission to prevent the devastating impact of meningitis. Founded by individuals whose lives were profoundly affected by meningitis, we are dedicated to enabling positive change by uniting people and knowledge to save lives.Find out more about CoMO: www.comomeningitis.org.

The Writer, Isaac Ampomah is the Executive Director for Concern Health Education Project (CHEP), a CSO and a member of the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO)