World Meningitis Day is held every year on April 24 to raise awareness on meningitis, provide support for those living with the after-effects of the potentially devastating disease and to highlight the importance of vaccination.

It is of vital importance that individuals, families, communities and governments worldwide are aware of meningitis and take action to prevent it.

In Malta, students from the Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association set up stands in Valletta and Sliema to raise awareness about meningitis prevention and its symptoms.

Amy Zahra, from the local organisation Amputees4Amputees and a meningitis survivor, was present to give her support and discuss the effects of meningitis with the students.

The theme chosen for this year was 24 Hours – Time to Act. Twenty-four hours can mean the difference between life and death or disability, therefore it is essential that more people know the signs and symptoms and act fast by consulting a healthcare professional if they are concerned about themselves or their loved ones.

To learn more about meningitis, visit www.meningitisnow.org.

Key facts

• Every year more than 1.2 million people are affected by meningitis.

• Bacterial meningitis is the most severe and common, causing approximately 120,000 deaths globally each year.

• Approximately one in 10 patients dies while one in five sustain permanent damage and disability.

• Signs and symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, which may include, but are not limited to, fever, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and drowsiness.

• Those surviving meningitis can suffer from long-term effects such as deafness, brain damage and loss of limbs.

• The most severe forms of meningitis can be prevented with vaccines.