Protecting Every Child from a Silent but Deadly Threat

As a mom, nothing scares me more than hearing about diseases that can take a child’s life in just a day. Meningitis is one of those illnesses that many of us may have heard of but do not fully understand until it hits close to home. This year, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), in collaboration with GSK Philippines, commemorated World Meningitis Day 2025 by issuing a call to action for families, healthcare professionals, and communities to unite in the fight against this devastating disease.

Meningitis is one of the fastest-progressing infections, capable of claiming lives in less than 24 hours. Survivors often face long-term complications such as hearing loss, seizures, or developmental delays. As parents, the idea that such damage can occur so quickly is deeply alarming—and it reminds us of the crucial importance of awareness and early prevention.

The Philippines’ Urgent Need to Act

According to the Meningitis Progress Tracker, the Philippines ranks 32nd out of 194 countries worldwide in terms of meningitis cases and 2nd out of 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Most heartbreaking of all, nearly 40 percent of global meningitis deaths occur in children under five. These are the years we spend nurturing, feeding, and protecting our little ones—yet they are also the most vulnerable to the disease.

PFV, a non-government organization known for promoting evidence-based immunization, continues to emphasize that meningitis protection must begin early. The group emphasizes the significance of the First 1,000 Days of life, a critical period that shapes a child’s brain, immunity, and overall development.

“The Philippines ranks among the highest in meningitis incidence both globally and regionally. The burden remains high, and our response must change and improve. We continue to see delayed diagnosis, underreporting, and gaps in survivor care. If we are to meet the Roadmap targets, we need stronger surveillance, faster referral pathways, and better long-term support for children and families affected by meningitis,” said Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of PFV and Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert.

Protecting Children from the Start

As mothers, we often focus on nutrition, sleep, and emotional care in our children’s early years. But disease prevention is also part of nurturing. Vaccination remains one of the strongest shields we can give them—especially against life-threatening infections like meningitis.

“Meningitis can be devastating. No one should endure its lifelong impact on patients, their families, and even their communities. The First 1,000 Days of life determine how a child’s brain, immunity, and development take shape, and when meningitis strikes in this window, the consequences are often irreversible. Protecting children during this period is not optional, it is our responsibility,” said Dr. Rose Capeding, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist and PFV President.

Working Together for a Meningitis-Free Future

GSK Philippines also called for stronger health systems to detect and manage meningitis early.
“Meningitis cannot be solved by science alone. It requires systems that detect early, health programs that reach the most vulnerable, and partnerships that connect global goals to local realities,” said Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK Philippines Country Medical Director.

During World Meningitis Day 2025, PFV and GSK participated in the “Light the Road Ahead” ceremony, a poignant tribute to families who have lost loved ones and to survivors who continue to live with the lasting impact of meningitis.

“Meningitis kills within hours, and for survivors, the impact can last a lifetime. For every family and every community touched by this disease, there must also be hope and light,” said Dr. Capeding. “As we light the road ahead, we commit to ending epidemics, reducing disability, and saving lives. PFV is committed to ensuring that no child’s future is left in the dark.”

PFV will also be forming a national coalition with the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP). Supported by CoMO’s World Meningitis Day Advocacy Fund 2025, the coalition will work to push policy changes, raise awareness, and empower survivor-led advocacy in communities.

A Mother’s Takeaway

As parents, we cannot always control what happens in the world, but we can take small steps to protect our children. Staying informed, keeping their vaccinations up to date, and supporting efforts like PFV’s give us a chance to keep our little ones safe from meningitis and other preventable diseases.

World Meningitis Day 2025 may have passed, but its message stays with every Filipino parent: awareness saves lives. By 2030, PFV and GSK envision a future where no Filipino child or family will face meningitis alone, and that hope begins with all of us.