World Meningitis Day

5th October 2025

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Now is the time for action

Meningitis can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Every year since 2009, people around the globe have come together on World Meningitis Day to call for a future free from this devastating disease. Today, co-ordinated by Meningitis Research Foundation, it’s the world’s largest day of collective action on meningitis. Join us this year. Together, let’s raise awareness and drive meaningful change.

World Meningitis Day: igniting global change

Watch the video to see how World Meningitis Day grew from grassroots campaigning into a powerful global movement dedicated to saving lives. Discover why every action matters. And find out why we must keep pushing forward to defeat meningitis.

Meningitis: a medical emergency

Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It affects people all over the world every day. Meningitis is largely preventable, but people still die in less than 24 hours. This is why we must act now to defeat it.
  • 2.3

    million people are affected globally each year.

  • 1 in 5

    survivors of bacterial meningitis live with lifelong disabilities.

  • 40 %

    of all deaths from meningitis are in children under five (estimate).

I want people to know that there can be life after meningitis. Some people face devastating consequences, but others, like me, are lucky enough to recover fully. I’m 24 now, the fittest I’ve ever been and working as a Police Community Support Officer, which I love.

Drew Darlington’s story

Get involved

Help light the road ahead

Join us at 20:30 (8:30pm) on World Meningitis Day. Together, let’s create a global chain of light to remember those whose lives have been changed by meningitis.

Spread life-saving awareness

Our free toolkit has messaging, logos and email banners as well as social media and print materials. Every share brings us one step closer to a world free from meningitis.

Tell your story

We’re collecting 2,030 stories for 2030. Share your meningitis experience to help global leaders understand its true impact and to help those affected feel less alone.

Making an impact: igniting global change

In 2024, over two-thirds of World Health Organization (WHO) member states participated in World Meningitis Day, making it the biggest year to date.
  • 135

    countries took action on World Meningitis Day.

  • 381

    buildings were illuminated around the world.

  • 1.7 billion

    people were reached with life-saving information.

Join the global movement to defeat meningitis

Sign up to Meningitis Research Foundation’s monthly newsletter. You'll hear about the latest science and health policy developments. And you'll stay up to date about the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO)'s activities. This is our global network of meningitis groups and advocates.

Stay informed