During the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, Member States, including delegations from each of the WHO regions, acknowledged the progress made on the Global road map on defeating meningitis by 2030 recognizing the effectiveness of the evidence-based, practical, and scalable road map. Member States also emphasized the strong commitment of national leaders, partners, civil society organizations and the dedicated teams supporting the initiative at all levels of WHO.
Many Member States reaffirmed their dedication to the achieving the goal, highlighting the broader benefits of the programme. They noted that the approach for defeating meningitis will strengthen primary health care, health systems and overall health security, contribute to the success of the Immunization Agenda 2030 and enhance the advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities. The initiative also complements other global health strategies aimed at addressing neurological disorders, sepsis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV.
Member States called for increased support from WHO to enhance the implementation of the road map's pillars including the introduction of comprehensive immunization programmes with affordable vaccines including Men5CV to eliminate seasonal outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations including those displaced by conflicts and environmental disasters.
Member States also called for training, support and innovations in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by meningitis. In addition, they called for strengthened communication and advocacy efforts to raise awareness among both communities and health care workers. Member States also expressed the need for adequate funding and resources, particularly in low-resource settings.
The collaborative efforts of partners coordinated by the Defeating Meningitis 2030 Technical Taskforce, were strongly appreciated. The importance of the taskforce in facilitating regional information exchange was highlighted.
In their statements, WHO Assistant Directors-General emphasized the significance of this initiative and how it benefits from a cross-departmental approach to prevent and control the disease and provide care to those affected, while highlighting the notable successes of 2024, particularly the first high-level meeting on defeating meningitis in raising the awareness of the disease, and the pre-qualification of Men5CV and its implementation which will be critical for ending outbreaks within the meningitis belt.
The progress report on the Global road map for defeating meningitis by 2030 will now be discussed by all Member States at the seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2025.
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