Lifelong Risks and Silent Threats Why Experts Urge Immediate Action on Meningitis Vaccination

Medical experts, health advocates, and concerned parents are raising urgent alarms over the continued threat of meningitis in the Philippines, calling for stronger vaccination efforts, better access to immunization, and nationwide awareness campaigns.

The call to action was made during the Health Connect Forum, hosted by Dr. Eric Tayag, former Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary and past president of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV). The event brought together medical professionals from the DOH, members of healthcare and patient organizations, and parent advocates, all united in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.

A Deadly Disease With Lasting Consequences

While often overshadowed by more commonly discussed illnesses, meningitis remains one of the most dangerous and fastest-acting infections. “It can kill within 24 hours or cause permanent damage such as seizures, hearing loss, or visual impairment,” said Dr. Janette dela Calzada, Pediatric Neurologist at Cebu Doctors University Hospital.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), without stronger prevention measures, meningitis could affect 400,000 people globally in the next five years. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, many Filipinos remain vulnerable due to lack of access and public information.

Prevention Starts With Awareness

Maria Kristina Marasigan, Director IV of the DOH Health Promotion Bureau, emphasized that prevention is a cornerstone of the Universal Health Care Law. “We aim not only to raise awareness but to empower every Filipino to make informed decisions about their health,” she said, noting that limited public knowledge about vaccine schedules and where to get vaccinated remains a significant barrier.

Lessons From the Past and the Urgency of Now

Dr. Elizabeth Escaño-Gallardo of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) recalled the chaos during the meningococcemia outbreaks in previous years. “Outbreaks are unpredictable,” she warned. “But what we’ve learned is clear, vaccination is still our most powerful defense.”

Dr. Josefina Carlos of the University of the East–Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center echoed the sentiment. “The WHO has given us a target, eliminate meningitis by 2030. That leaves us just five years. We need continued collaboration across sectors to make this happen,” she said.

A United Front for a Safer Future

Panelists and forum participants shared one clear message: defeating meningitis requires a whole-of-society effort. Dr. Gladness Henna Martinez from the Philippine Medical Association’s Rizal Region stressed the need for integrated disease management that includes social and environmental factors, not just medical solutions.

Dr. Maria Cristina Alberto from PFV highlighted the work of the Philippine Coalition to Defeat Meningitis (PCDM). “Our goal is to reduce cases by 50% and deaths by 70% through sustained vaccination efforts,” she said.

From the patient community, Ara Lanorio of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) called for more inclusive healthcare policies that reflect the needs and voices of those affected. Erika Jane Viray, founder of Moms Support Moms PH, emphasized the importance of parent education, saying, “Parents play a huge role. The more we know, the more we can protect our children.”

Teodoro Padilla, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), added, “No single sector can defeat meningitis alone. Progress requires strong partnerships between government, healthcare providers, patients, and the private sector.”

Raising the Flag for Meningitis Awareness

To conclude the forum, the PFV, PMA, and PHAP, with support from Sanofi Vaccines Philippines, joined the global campaign to raise the Meningitis Awareness Flag, a tri-colored symbol representing remembrance, unity, and action against the disease.

The event was livestreamed via the official Facebook pages of PHAP, PMA, and PFV to reach even more Filipino families and healthcare stakeholders.