More than 250,000 people died from meningitis worldwide in 2023, with children under five accounting for over one-third of the deaths, according to a major global study published in The Lancet Neurology. The research estimates 2.5 million infections that year, highlighting a persistent public health challenge despite decades of progress.

Although mortality and infection rates have declined since 1990, experts warn progress remains too slow to meet World Health Organisation targets of sharply reducing cases and deaths by 2030. Meningitis continues to be the leading infectious cause of neurological disability globally.

Low birthweight, premature birth and air pollution were identified as key risk factors. The burden is highest in low-income countries, particularly within Africa’s meningitis belt, where nations such as Nigeria, Chad and Niger report the greatest impact.

Researchers stress that expanding vaccination programmes, improving access to care, strengthening diagnostics and ensuring responsible antibiotic use are critical to reducing deaths and preventing long-term complications from this life-threatening disease.