World Meningitis Day 2023: World Meningitis Day was celebrated on April 24 annually until 2022, when it was moved to October 5 to accommodate the greatest number of participants. This day is observed globally to raise awareness about meningitis, a disease in which the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed (swell). It is essential to determine the cause of meningitis because treatment varies depending on the cause.
WORLD MENINGITIS DAY HISTORY
Meningitis was mentioned in ancient literature. Hippocrates discussed meningitis in his works. Sir Robert Whytt, a physician from Edinburgh, first diagnosed tuberculous meningitis in a 1768 posthumous report. However, it required an additional century to establish the connection between tuberculosis and Tubercle bacilli. Meningitis has been a part of human existence for a period of time that is difficult to determine with certainty due to the relative youth of diagnostic medical technologies. Hippocrates, a renowned Greek scholar (circa 460–370 B.C. ), was the first to recognize meningitis when he observed inflammation of the brain’s lining. In 1661, Thomas Willis (1621-1675) reported cases of “inflammation of the meninges with a constant fever”; this is one of the earliest accounts of meningitis that we can locate. French and English clinicians coined the term meningitis in the early 1800s by combining the word meninges (the lining of the brain) with the suffix ‘itis’, signifying inflammation.
The Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO) has utilized World Meningitis Day annually since 2008 to raise awareness of meningitis as a global public health concern. The campaign has always been conducted on April 24; however, to increase participation, it has been moved to October 5 in an effort to have it recognized as an official health day. If we can make World Meningitis Day an official health day, we will be able to reach more people with meningitis-related information that could save their lives.
Because the campaign was held in April and was always sandwiched between two other significant health programs, it was impossible for additional partners to participate meaningfully. By shifting the date to October 5, it is believed that more people will be able to rally around the same message and join the fight to eradicate meningitis by 2030. As part of the WHO’s Roadmap to Eliminate Meningitis by 2030, World Meningitis Day will receive a greater global profile. The campaign is an integral part of the “Advocacy and Engagement” theme, which seeks to increase public and political awareness of meningitis and its consequences. CoMO is in communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) in an effort to have World Meningitis Day recognized as an official health day.
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FAQs for World Meningitis Day
What hue represents Meningitis awareness?
Burgundy is the color associated with Meningitis awareness. It is a wine-colored variation of the hue red. In addition, this ribbon color represents adults with disabilities, migraines, meningitis, and numerous other causes.
What is the complete term for meningitis?
Meningococcal disease refers to any condition induced by the bacterium Neisseria meningitis. Infections of the membrane of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections are common and often fatal.
Does a vaccine against meningitis?
Meningococcal disease, which is any illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitis, can be prevented with vaccines. In the United States, there are two varieties of meningococcal vaccines: meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Menactra®, Menveo®, and MenQuadfi®) and meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Menactra®, Menveo®, and MenQuadfi®).
HOW TO CELEBRATE MENINGITIS DAY
Increase understanding of the disease
World Meningitis Day can be observed by disseminating pertinent information about the disease. You can send a letter to government officials in your area to encourage them to take action to raise awareness about the disease, which is more effective.
Describe your personal experience with meningitis.
You may submit a response if you or someone you know has ever been diagnosed with meningitis. Your account will aid others in comprehending the severity of this illness and coping strategies.
Raise funds for patients afflicted with meningitis.
You can raise funds for those suffering from the deadly disease. This will assist them in fortifying themselves and remaining resilient against the disease.
WORLD MENINGITIS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 5 | Thursday |
| 2024 | October 5 | Saturday |
| 2025 | October 5 | Sunday |
| 2026 | October 5 | Monday |
| 2027 | October 5 | Tuesday |
