Declaration to

End Meningitis Epidemics

in Africa

Organizational Signatories

Joint Declaration to End Meningitis Epidemics in Africa   

We, the undersigned, recognize the critical importance of saving lives and preventing long-lasting sequelae by eliminating bacterial meningitis epidemics in Africa by 2030.

We commend countries for the successful deployment of the monovalent MenAfriVac® vaccine, which played a critical role in effectively eliminating meningitis A in the Meningitis Belt and aim to build upon this foundation. Advances in science and technology have provided us with new tools, including the first conjugate vaccine to protect against the five predominant causes of meningococcal meningitis in Africa, that can accelerate progress. 

Commitment to Action 

We commit to taking the following actions to end meningitis epidemics in Africa, in support of the WHO global road map visionary goals to defeat meningitis by 2030: 

Scale Up Vaccination

We will work to scale up the delivery of existing vaccines and introduce new, cost-effective vaccines as they become available. This includes supporting Meningitis Belt countries to implement mass vaccination campaigns in endemic areas and integrate multivalent meningitis vaccination into routine immunization schedules, as recommended by WHO. 

Secure Sustainable Funding

We will work to secure sustainable funding and international support to ensure an uninterrupted vaccine supply. This will involve mobilizing resources from governments, international organizations and private sector partners. 

Strengthen Healthcare Systems

We will enhance healthcare infrastructure to improve diagnosis and treatment and provide care for those living with the impacts of meningitis after infection. This includes investing in healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers and improving access to care. 

Enhance Surveillance

We will support countries to strengthen surveillance systems to detect and respond to meningitis outbreaks swiftly. This includes improving data collection, analysis and sharing to inform effective public health interventions.

Support Communities & Foster Partnerships

Support community-led efforts and build cross-sector partnerships, including collaborating with governments, non-governmental organizations and research institutions, to drive action and save lives.

Call to Action

We call upon all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, researchers and the private sector, to unite and commit to these actions.  

Together, we can end devastating epidemics of meningitis in Africa by 2030. Let us seize this historic opportunity to defeat this preventable disease and protect millions of lives. We urge everyone to join us, take decisive action and make meningitis outbreaks in Africa a thing of the past.

Sign the Declaration

Please fill out the below form to have your name listed as a signatory of the Joint Declaration to End Meningitis Epidemics in Africa   

Download the declaration as a PDF.