Meningitis Research Foundation

14/10/2026

This week, we’re reporting on vital research which could lead to better outcomes for babies who get bacterial meningitis.

The BOBBi clinical trial is exploring whether steroids given alongside antibiotics could reduce serious long-term problems for babies with suspected bacterial meningitis, helping them to survive and thrive after being ill.

Our role in this work? Keeping the experiences of families at its heart.💜

More 👉 https://ow.ly/LApC50ZNW3c

13/10/2026

Vaccination is the most effective form of protection against the most common, severe causes of meningitis.

But it’s important to know:

📌Meningitis can be caused by different bacteria and viruses.

📌No single vaccine protects against every cause.

📌Not all types of meningitis can be prevented by vaccination.

That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms.

️⚠️ If you think someone may have meningitis, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice. Early treatment can save lives.

For answers to all your questions: https://www.meningitis.org/about-meningitis/vaccines/meningococcal-vaccines/menb-vaccines/

08/10/2026

It’s never too early to get your Christmas cards sorted 🎄

Spread a little festive cheer while supporting our work to defeat meningitis. 💌

Choose from six festive designs, with:
🎅 Packs of 10 cards for £4.25
🎄 Mixed packs of 20 cards for £3
🧦 Jumpers and slippers double packs for £1.50

Every purchase helps support our work to defeat meningitis.

Order your Christmas cards from our online shop by Friday 11th December for UK delivery, or Friday 27th November for overseas orders.

Shop the full range: www.meningitis.org/shop/products

07/10/2026

Thank you to the Emily's Dash Foundation.

Every step we take towards defeating meningitis is made possible by people who refuse to let the impact of meningitis be forgotten.

That's why we're so grateful to the Emily’s Dash Foundation, established by Emily’s parents, Sue and Al Koenig, in memory of their daughter Emily Grace Koenig. Emily tragically lost her life at just 12 years old to bacterial meningitis.

Through their generosity, her life and legacy continue to inspire action to protect others around the world from meningitis.

Following World Meningitis Day on the 5th October, Emily’s Dash Foundation made a vital funding contribution to the Meningitis Progress Tracker, helping secure its future. This remarkable commitment is ensuring that advocates, researchers and policymakers have access to the evidence needed to drive change – change that can reduce the impact of meningitis across the world.

To Sue, Al and everyone at the Emily’s Dash Foundation, thank you for helping make Emily’s legacy lasting action and hope for future generations.

More on the Meningitis Progress Tracker: https://www.meningitis.org/about-meningitis/using-data-to-defeat-meningitis/

06/10/2026

Every year, there are still around 2.5 million cases of meningitis globally.

On World Meningitis Day and all year round, we are proud to stand alongside World Health Organization (WHO) as we work together towards our shared goal of defeating meningitis.

06/10/2026

Yesterday, people around the world came together to raise their voices and call for a future free from meningitis. 🌎

Thank you to everyone who took action on World Meningitis Day. Whether you shared your story, helped spread life-saving awareness, lit the road ahead, or started a conversation about meningitis, every action made a difference.

Together, we are building a future where no one loses their life to meningitis. And together, we are showing that change is possible when a global community unites behind a common goal.💜

Meningitis Research Foundation funds pioneering research, supports people affected by meningitis in the UK and Ireland, and drives global awareness and understanding. Learn more, get support or donate today.

05/10/2026

🕯️ We're helping to light the road ahead for World Meningitis Day.

As the world moves through different time zones, people across the globe are lighting up landmarks, homes and communities at 8:30pm local time, creating a powerful wave of remembrance, reflection and hope.

Together, we remember those we've lost, stand alongside everyone living with the impact of meningitis, and shine a light of hope for a future free from this devastating disease.

As each time zone reaches 8:30pm, another light shines and our global movement grows stronger.

Let’s make a difference, together.

05/10/2026

Thank you Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for sharing Lucas' story. It is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly meningitis can change lives and why awareness is so important.

By sharing experiences like this, Lucas’ family help more people recognise the signs and understand the impact of this devastating disease.

Share your own meningitis experience here: https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis-in-your-words-home/

Meningitis can begin with symptoms that seem easy to dismiss.

For 21-year-old Lucas Martin, it started with a headache and feeling run down. Within days, he had lost his life to bacterial meningitis.

For , his father Brett shares Lucas’ story, the speed with which everything changed and the legacy his son has left behind.

Experience meningitis through his words, via the Meningitis Research Foundation: https://bit.ly/4hoGV8G

05/10/2026

Meningitis is a medical emergency.

We are so grateful to have the United Nations playing an important role in raising lifesaving awareness of this devastating disease.

Meningitis can affect anyone, at any age. It can be fatal and leave survivors with serious, lifelong complications.

On Monday’s World Meningitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) shares what you can do to help prevent this devastating disease: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis

05/10/2026

Thank you to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for playing an important role in World Meningitis Day by sharing the stories of people affected by this devastating disease.

And thank you to Isabell for so generously sharing her experience of the impact of meningitis. Read her story below.

Today is .

For Isabell Wachera, meningitis was not a single moment of illness. After years of seizures, headaches and being told nothing was wrong, she was finally diagnosed with TB meningitis in 2023. She is still living with the after-effects today.

Now, she is using her experience to help others recognise the signs earlier and feel less alone.

Read Isabell’s story, via the Meningitis Research Foundation https://bit.ly/4y0z1Y0