The disease is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In Brazil, the viral and bacterial forms are the most common, with the bacterial form being the most severe.
The plan was launched on the eve of World Meningitis Day, celebrated on October 5 | Photo: MS/Laudemiro Bezerra
On October 3, the Brazilian Ministry of Health presented the National Plan to Combat Meningitis by 2030, focusing on addressing the disease and increasing access to vaccination. The date was chosen close to World Meningitis Day, celebrated on October 5. Brazil’s actions align with global goals set by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
During the event, Socorro Gross, PAHO and WHO representative in Brazil, emphasized the importance of the plan to reduce the impact of meningitis, especially among children, the most affected group. “The most affected group by meningitis in our region is children, with one death for every six cases, and causing lifelong disabilities in one out of every five people,” she stated. With this plan, Brazil also aims to set an example for other countries in the Americas.
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Brazil’s plan follows three goals defined by WHO: eliminating epidemics of bacterial meningitis, halving the cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis, and reducing deaths by 70%, while improving the quality of life for survivors. The actions will be carried out in partnership with the Unified Health System (SUS) and are divided into five main areas: prevention and epidemic control, diagnosis and treatment, epidemiological surveillance, patient support, and communication.
The Secretary of Health Surveillance and Environment, Ethel Maciel, explained that the plan was developed after 18 months of joint work between the Ministry of Health, the National Council of Health Secretaries (Conass), the National Council of Municipal Health Secretaries (Conasems), and PAHO. She also spoke about the importance of institutional partnerships and Brazil’s commitment to controlling antimicrobial resistance, a topic discussed at the United Nations General Assembly. “At this moment, under the leadership of our Minister, we are working with a decree for an Interinstitutional One Health Committee, to think about a much broader health governance,” she stated.
The One Health strategy, adopted by the Ministry of Health, aims to balance human, animal, and environmental health, with a focus on controlling antimicrobial resistance as a crucial measure to prevent meningitis. During the ceremony, individuals affected by meningitis, such as the president of the Brazilian Association for Combating Meningitis and Olympic athlete Caio Ribeiro, shared their stories and challenges. Representatives from the National Immunization Program (PNI), Conass, Conasems, PAHO, and WHO also participated in the event and reinforced the importance of integrated action in combating the disease.
Meningitis is a disease caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites and is considered endemic in Brazil. The viral and bacterial forms are the most common in the country, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe and frequent, according to IOC/Fiocruz. The infection affects the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can lead to serious complications and even death. Initial symptoms include fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness, with treatment varying depending on the causative agent.
SUS provides vaccines against the main types of bacterial meningitis, including serogroups A, C, W, and Y, with an emphasis on serogroup C, the most prevalent in the country.