It starts like a fever. A headache. Maybe some vomiting. At first, meningitis can look like the flu — but within hours, it can turn deadly.
Meningitis is one of the fastest-acting infections known to medicine. It attacks the brain and spinal cord, and in just 24 hours, it can lead to death or severe lifelong complications like hearing loss, seizures, or developmental delays. And children under five are most at risk.
This year on World Meningitis Day 2025, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and GSK Philippines came together with a clear, urgent message: the country must step up its fight against this silent killer.
“The danger is real. We still see too many cases, too many delays in diagnosis, and not enough support for survivors,” said Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of PFV and a leading expert in pediatric infectious diseases. “We need to move faster if we want to save lives.”
According to the Meningitis Progress Tracker, the Philippines ranks 32nd globally in meningitis cases, and second highest in the Asia-Pacific region. Nearly four in every 10 global meningitis deaths occur in children under five — a number that experts say can be drastically reduced through awareness, early diagnosis, and vaccination.
The PFV has long championed life-course immunization, but this year, they are placing a sharp focus on the First 1,000 Days — from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday — as a critical window of protection.
“When meningitis strikes in those first thousand days, the effects can be irreversible,” said Dr. Rose Capeding, PFV President. “This is when a child’s brain, immune system, and future are taking shape. Prevention during this time isn’t a choice — it’s a responsibility.”
GSK Philippines echoed the need for stronger systems that can detect and respond to meningitis quickly, especially in underserved communities.
“Meningitis isn’t just a medical issue. It’s a health system issue,” said Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK’s Country Medical Director. “We need early detection, community education, and access to care that reaches the most vulnerable.”
As part of the global “Light the Road Ahead” campaign, PFV and GSK joined a worldwide chain of light to honor lives lost to meningitis and show support for survivors.
Looking ahead, PFV will co-lead a new national coalition on meningitis, pushing for a proposed Philippine Meningitis Day on October 5 and launching a survivor-led advocacy campaign to keep the momentum going.
The mission is bold but simple: by 2030, no Filipino should face meningitis alone.
