WHO Releases New Guidelines on Meningitis Prevention and Treatment

Meningitis, an inflammation of the brain or spinal cord membranes, claims approximately 240,000 lives annually worldwide. To combat this pressing health issue and improve patient care, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced its first-ever guidelines aimed at preventing infections and optimizing treatment for those affected.

According to WHO experts, meningitis can strike without warning, affecting individuals globally regardless of age or background. The disease can lead to rapid health deterioration and, in some cases, death within hours. WHO's Lorenzo Pezzoli emphasized the urgency of addressing this critical health threat, highlighting that two-thirds of reported cases are caused by bacterial infections.

The organization estimates that around 2.5 million people contract meningitis each year, with children being particularly vulnerable. Alarmingly, the incidence is disproportionately high in impoverished regions of Africa. Of those infected, one in five survivors faces long-term complications, which may include hearing loss, vision impairment, cognitive disabilities, and paralysis.

A significant challenge highlighted by the WHO is the lack of training and resources for healthcare professionals, particularly in diagnosing meningitis. Medical personnel often lack the necessary skills to perform lumbar punctures to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing. Moreover, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the administration of vaccines and antibiotics, as well as the necessary follow-up care after infection.

The new WHO guidelines aim to bridge these gaps by providing comprehensive recommendations. In Germany, for instance, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has already advocated for routine meningococcal vaccinations for infants, specifically targeting types B and C. The WHO has set ambitious goals to reduce bacterial meningitis cases that can be prevented through vaccination by 50% and to lower the mortality rate by 70% by the year 2030.

In 2023, a new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine (Men5CV) was introduced, offering protection against serogroups A, C, W, Y, and X. The WHO has recommended this vaccine for use in the African meningitis belt, a region severely affected by this disease.