Overview
In line with the Defeating meningitis by 2030: a global
road map, the WHO guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care
Executive Summary provides a summary of the evidence-based recommendations for
the clinical management of children and adults with community-acquired
meningitis, including acute and long-term care. Meningitis poses a significant
public health threat, despite successful efforts to control the disease
globally. The burden of morbidity and mortality from meningitis remains high, particularly
in low- and middle-income countries and in settings experiencing large-scale,
disruptive epidemics. Approximately one in five individuals affected by
bacterial meningitis incurs long-term complications, which may result in
disability and have a profound impact on quality of life. The guidelines are
primarily intended for health-care professionals working in first- or
second-level health-care facilities, including emergency, inpatient and
outpatient services. They are also directed at policy-makers, health-care
planners and programme managers, academic institutions, non-governmental and
civil society organizations to inform capacity-building, teaching and research
agendas.