Experts Warn of Lifelong Meningitis Complications, Call for Equitable Vaccination Access

The Health Connect Forum, hosted by Dr. Eric Tayag, former DOH Undersecretary and past PFV President, featured health experts from the DOH, members of medical and patient organizations, and a representative from an online moms community.

Manila, Philippines — Health experts, advocates, and parent groups are calling on stakeholders to strengthen its fight against meningitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases through more robust policies, increased vaccination access, and greater public awareness. 

Health Promotion Bureau Director IV Maria Kristina Marasigan of the Department of Health emphasized that prevention is still a top priority under the Universal Health Care Law. “Our goal is not just to raise awareness but to empower Filipinos to make informed health decisions,” she said, adding that many people want to get vaccinated but lack information on schedules and access points, which underscores the need to strengthen public outreach information.

During the Health Connect forum, health experts put the spotlight on meningitis in line with the World Health Organization’s goal to eliminate the disease by 2030.

Meningitis can kill within 24 hours or leave survivors with lasting disabilities. Despite the availability of vaccines, many Filipinos remain unprotected. Without quick action, the WHO warns that 400,000 people globally could be affected over the next five years.

“When the meninges of the brain become inflamed or infected, it leads to meningitis. Survivors may suffer seizures or hearing and vision loss. It’s devastating for the individual and their family because, beyond the financial burden, they must cope with these issues for life,” explained Dr. Janette dela Calzada, Pediatric Neurologist at Cebu Doctors University Hospital.

While awareness of other vaccine-preventable diseases has increased, meningitis remains largely ignored. Reflecting on lessons from the past meningococcemia outbreak, Dr. Elizabeth Escaño-Gallardo of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) highlighted that preparedness is essential. “Effective communication, early recognition, infection control, and vaccination were crucial,” she said. “Outbreaks are unpredictable; we don’t know when or where they might happen. But our experience has clearly proven that vaccination remains our best strategy to prevent future outbreaks. I cannot overemphasize how important this strategy is,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Josefina Carlos of the University of the East–Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMCI) emphasized the importance of collective action in fighting meningitis. She mentioned that although vaccine hesitancy has decreased, ongoing cooperation among communities, healthcare workers, and organizations remains essential as the world has only five years left to reach the WHO’s 2030 goal.

Forum reactors echoed the call for stronger collaboration. Dr. Gladness Henna Martinez of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Rizal Region stressed the importance of integrated disease management that emphasizes prevention and addresses social determinants of health. 

Dr. Maria Cristina Alberto of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) shares that PFV is a proud member of the Philippine Coalition to Defeat Meningitis (PCDM), a multi-sectoral alliance advancing prevention and awareness. “Through this coalition, we aim to help achieve the WHO’s goal of reducing cases by 50% and deaths by 70% through vaccination,” she said.

Adding the patient perspective, Ms. Ara Lanorio, Secretary of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), stressed the need to include patient voices in policy reforms and to continue working with stakeholders to list meningitis as a priority vaccine and expand protection for Filipinos. 

Echoing this, Ms. Erika Jane Viray, Founder of Moms Support Moms PH, urged parents to stay informed, noting that knowledge is key to protecting children and families.

Mr. Teodoro Padilla, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), emphasized that no single sector can defeat meningitis alone. “Progress depends on strong public and private multi-stakeholder partnerships working together to protect every Filipino,” he said.

Concluding the event, PFV, PMA,  and PHAP, with the support of Sanofi Vaccines Philippines, participated in the global campaign to raise the Meningitis Awareness Flag. The tri-colored, worldwide symbol of remembrance and unity serves as a reminder that defeating meningitis requires collective effort at every level of society.

The webinar was livestreamed on the official Facebook pages of PHAP, PMA, and PFV.