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Meningitis Research Foundation
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About Meningitis Research Foundation
Meningitis Research Foundation is a national registered charity in the UK and has charitable exemption in the Republic of Ireland. The charity operates from its Bristol office, with branch offices in Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh. Our vision is a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.The charitable objects are to:
• promote research into the causes and treatment of all forms of meningitis and associated infections;
• promote the dissemination of the knowledge gained by such research;
• advance the education of the public in the causes, treatment and prevention of meningitis and associated infections;
• help relieve distress to individuals and families caused by death and damage through meningitis and associated infections.
Since the charity was established in 1989 the Foundation has:
• Invested over €19 million in research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia;
• Produced and distributed award winning materials, including millions of symptoms cards, leaflets and posters, that have saved lives;
• Provided round the clock information and support through the 24 hour Freefone helpline (1800 41 33 44) staffed by trained nurses;
• Lectured to parent groups, medical and nursing staff, ethnic and minority groups and university students about meningitis prevention and treatment;
• Provided one to one support to individuals affected;
• Provided information and distribution of updated vaccine recommendations;
• Maintained the website (www.meningitis.org) with up to date information for parents and heath professionals translated into 18 languages;
• Developed an Approved Telephone Befriending Network for individuals affected by meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis Research Foundation fights death and disability from meningitis and septicaemia, and supports people affected by these diseases. Meningitis and septicaemia – the blood poisoning form of the disease – can kill in hours. Although relatively uncommon, these diseases affect hundreds of lives every year in Ireland and the United Kingdom and leave many more permanently disabled. These diseases can affect anyone at any age, but babies, children and young adults are most at risk.
In the late 1990’s, Ireland had one of the highest rates of meningitis in Europe, around 6 per 100,000 which resulted in about 500 cases per year. Since then, due to the introduction of both the Hib vaccine and also the Men C vaccine, there has been a steady decline. The number of cases is now around 260 per year. More than one in ten people who get the diseases will die and many more are left with a range of disabilities and after effects that dramatically alter their lives. Out of those who survive, about half will have serious long term after effects such as deafness, amputations, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. Unfortunately at present there is no vaccine against meningococcal bacteria type B, the cause of most meningitis cases (83% of confirmed cases) so the need for awareness, support and research continues.
Meningitis Research Foundation's upcoming events
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