Umamah Bakharia | ub@radioislam.co.za

6min read
15 September 2022
11:00am CAT

The World Health Organisation – WHO predicts that by 2030, they will eradicate meningitis in Africa.

In a strategy released last week, WHO has laid out plans on how it plans to accomplish this. It further added that this will dramatically reduce disabilities in the region while also saving thousands of lives.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, WHO regional meningitis control officer Dr Andre Bita says the organisation plans to illuminate meningitis epidemics by supporting developing countries to implement plans and mobilise resources.

“WHO is leading this come back to really illuminate meningitis epidemics and also to reduce the number of cases by 50% and reduce the death rate by 70% [while] taking into consideration after care – that means the neurological disorders,” says Dr Bita.

Meningitis is the second cause of neurological disorders in Africa and the first cause worldwide.

According to research, meningitis is the inflammation of the fluid and membranes also known as meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Currently, meningitis is treated by antibiotics and in some cases vaccines.

According to Dr Bita, a meningitis vaccine is currently in the making and can be expected to be rolled out by the end of the year.

“We will introduce these vaccines in high risk countries in Africa after [which] we will help the countries to really detect the cases, improve laboratory confirmation and to improve risk communication,” he says.

To achieve this, WHO says it requires R25 million for prevention control, treatment and diagnosis.

Listen to the full interview here: