Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease that caused an estimated 236,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Among survivors, one in five experiences long-term complications. Despite the availability of effective treatments and vaccines for certain strains, meningitis continues to pose a significant global health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In response, WHO has released its first global guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of meningitis.
These guidelines aim to reduce mortality and disability associated with the disease. They cover a comprehensive range of topics, including diagnostic procedures, antibiotic therapy, adjunctive treatment, supportive care, and management of long-term effects. The guidelines support the 2030 goal to eliminate meningitis epidemics and reduce related deaths by 70%. This article outlines the key recommendations…
