Doctors, parents of meningitis survivors, public health advocates, and members of the community gathered in solidarity to commemorate World Meningitis Day 2025, lighting lamps to honor lives lost and celebrate the resilience of survivors.
The event, organized by the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Philippines, was part of the global ‘Light the Road Ahead’ campaign—symbolizing hope, remembrance, and a unified call to defeat meningitis by 2030 in alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis.
During the ceremony, Miss Marj, mother of meningitis survivor Kim, turned emotional as she shared their family’s journey. Her daughter’s survival story—marked by challenges, rehabilitation, and resilience—underscored the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and stronger support systems for families facing the disease.
“Meningitis can change a family’s life in an instant,” she said. “But through awareness, compassion, and access to the right care, there is hope.”
PFV, together with the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), announced the formation of a national coalition to align local initiatives with the WHO’s 2030 roadmap.
PFV President Dr. Rose Capeding emphasized the critical importance of protecting children during the early stages of life.
“Meningitis can be devastating. No one should endure its lifelong impact on patients, their families, and even their communities,” she said. “The first 1,000 days of life determine how a child’s brain, immunity, and development take shape. Protecting children during this period is not optional—it is our responsibility.”
According to the Meningitis Progress Tracker, the Philippines ranks 32nd globally and 2nd in Asia for meningitis cases. The Department of Health (DOH) reported over 5,500 cases of acute bacterial meningitis and encephalitis in 2023, marking a 46% increase from previous data.
PFV Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo noted that many meningitis cases in the Philippines remain underreported or diagnosed too late, leading to high fatality and long-term disability rates among survivors.
“Our response must change and improve,” Dr. Bravo urged. “We need stronger surveillance, faster referral pathways, and better long-term care for affected children and families.”
Dr. Ma. Liza Antoinette Gonzales, former PFV president, reiterated the organization’s call for October 5 to be declared as Philippine Meningitis Day to increase national visibility and encourage policy action.
“We have special days for other diseases. It’s time we dedicate one for meningitis, to spread awareness and stop underreporting,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jo Janet de la Calzada of the Philippine Pediatric Society highlighted the importance of vaccination, especially pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines, both of which are included in the national immunization program.
GSK Philippines Country Medical Director Dr. Gio Barangan stressed that defeating meningitis requires collaboration across sectors.
“Meningitis cannot be solved by science alone. It requires systems that detect early, programs that reach the most vulnerable, and partnerships that connect global goals to local realities,” Dr. Barangan said.
Panel discussions during the event featured Dr. Bravo, Dr. Gonzales, Dr. de la Calzada, and Dr. Edwin Rodriguez, who tackled the disease’s medical, social, and economic impacts. They noted that survivors often face lifelong challenges such as hearing loss, developmental delays, and the need for continuous rehabilitation—placing a heavy emotional and financial strain on families.
The WHO estimates that defeating meningitis by 2030 could generate over USD 100 billion in global economic benefits, with improved prevention and treatment potentially saving USD 10 billion in healthcare costs.
The event culminated with participants lighting hundreds of symbolic lamps, representing remembrance, unity, and hope for a meningitis-free future.
As the lights glowed across the venue, PFV reaffirmed its mission to advance education, vaccination, and survivor support, urging the public to stay informed and proactive.
“Defeating meningitis is not an easy goal,” Dr. Gonzales said. “But with better recognition, education, and compassion, we can protect every child’s future.” (with reports from Carlos Aragon)
