This podcast series has been created and funded by GSK Vaccines and is intended for healthcare professionals only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of GSK or EMJ.
This three-part podcast series “Invasive Meningococcal Disease Prevention,” hosted by Hannah Moir leads a discussion with key experts Burkhard Lawrenz, Catherine Weil-Olivier, Irene Rivero Calle, and Susanna Esposito who cover a peer-to-peer perspective on the importance of preventing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).
Meningitis is a rare and unpredictable disease that poses significant global health risks, with a high fatality rate.1,2 It caused an estimated 250,000 deaths in 2019.1 One in ten patients with IMD die, with the majority being children and young people. Additionally, one in five face severe long-term sequelae, including limb weakness, limb amputations, hearing loss, seizures, and difficulties with vision, speech, language, and memory.2
The WHO has developed a roadmap with specific goals: to eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50%, and deaths by 70% by 2030.2
This podcast series explores:
- understanding the incidence and epidemiology of IMD;
- the importance of IMD prevention across age groups and other at-risk groups;
- sharing best practices and recommendations in improving vaccine acceptance.
Episode 1: Importance of IMD Prevention In Infants And Young Children
Our experts provide key insights into the characteristics and prevention considerations related to IMD. They emphasise the importance of vaccination and early recognition of symptoms to improve outcomes in at-risk populations.
Episode 2: Importance of IMD Prevention In Adolescents And Other At-Risk Groups
Our experts help healthcare professionals better understand IMD and improve vaccination strategies, particularly among young children and adolescence and other at-risk groups
Episode to be released soon.
Episode 3: Peer-to-Peer Tips For Strong Recommendations And Improving Vaccine Acceptance
Our experts discuss the challenges of diagnosing IMD and emphasise the importance of vaccination, highlighting the need for clear communication. They discuss the critical role of healthcare professionals in promoting awareness and preventing IMD within the context of achieving the WHO’s 2030 global IMD goals.
Episode to be released soon.
Speakers
Burkhard Lawrenz1
Catherine Weil-Olivier2
Irene Rivero Calle3
Susanna Esposito4
1. Primary Care Paediatrician, Arnsberg, Germany.
2. Honorary Professor of Paediatrics, Paris-Cité University, France.
3. Consultant in Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Clinical and Researcher Paediatrician, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
4. Professor of Paediatrics and Director of Specialization, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy. Director of the Paediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Italy.
Moderator
Hannah Moir5
5. Head Medical Writer, Moderator, and Educator, EMJ, London, UK. Senior Fellow (Associate Professor in Health & Exercise Prescription), Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, UK.
Reference
1. WHO. Defeating Meningitis by 2030. Available at:https://www.who.int/initiatives/defeating-meningitis-by-2030. Last accessed: 12 November 2024.
2. Olbrich KJ et al. Systematic review of invasive meningococcal disease: sequelae and quality of life impact on patients and their caregivers. Infect Dis Ther. 2018;7(4):421-38.
