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Meningitis Research Foundation (@M_R_F) profile picture

Meningitis Research Foundation

@M_R_F

An international health charity working to defeat meningitis. Proud coordinator of World Meningitis Day, research funder and creator of the #MeningitisFlag.

 Bristol
meningitis.org
Joined January 2009
  • Tweets23K
  • Following3.1K
  • Followers11.4K
What caused 2026's Kent MenB outbreak and what can we learn from it? New research just published by @UKHSA, @UniofOxford and others is bringing vital insight 👉 ow.ly/YfGw50ZQ0Om #Meningitis #MenB
Vinny Smith, Meningitis Research Foundation Chief Executive, speaking at a podium about protecting young people from future MenB outbreaks. Man in a grey suit standing on a podium in front of a microphone, in front of a screen.

ALT Vinny Smith, Meningitis Research Foundation Chief Executive, speaking at a podium about protecting young people from future MenB outbreaks. Man in a grey suit standing on a podium in front of a microphone, in front of a screen.

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Got a ballot place for the 2027 TCS London Marathon? Join the race to defeat meningitis. 💜 Help us to fund research, drive change through better health policy and support people whose lives have been affected by meningitis. #TeamMRF #DefeatMeningitis #LondonMarathon
Two runners in purple Meningitis Research Foundation shirts are participating in an event with cheering spectators behind barriers.

ALT Two runners in purple Meningitis Research Foundation shirts are participating in an event with cheering spectators behind barriers.

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🔬 What can the UK's recent MenB outbreaks teach us about preventing future outbreaks worldwide? Join leading experts for the Meningitis Research Spotlight Session 2026. 📅 23 Nov | ⏰ 13:30-16:45 GMT |💻 Free online 👉 meningitis.org/meningitis-re… #MeningitisResearch
Control room monitors feature a live speaker on one screen and a complex video editing dashboard on the adjacent screen.

ALT Control room monitors feature a live speaker on one screen and a complex video editing dashboard on the adjacent screen.

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Students are at increased risk of meningitis, making Freshers' Fairs a vital opportunity to raise awareness. Our staff and Ambassadors: 📍 Attended 32 events. 💬 Had 4,200+ conversations. 📚 Shared 9,000+ materials. Helping students stay informed and protected. #Meningitis
Staff members at Meningitis Research Foundation stood behind a stand at a Freshers Fair providing information on meningitis symptoms and prevention.

ALT Staff members at Meningitis Research Foundation stood behind a stand at a Freshers Fair providing information on meningitis symptoms and prevention.

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As the UK rolls out the MenB vaccination programme for eligible young people, we know many have questions. We’re here to help with clear, evidence-based information on MenB vaccination: meningitis.org/about-meningi… #MenB #Meningitis
Does the MenB vaccine prevent meningitis?

ALT Does the MenB vaccine prevent meningitis?

Meningitis can be caused by different types of bacteria. The MenB vaccine helps protect against Meningococcal B (MenB) bacteria – the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

ALT Meningitis can be caused by different types of bacteria. The MenB vaccine helps protect against Meningococcal B (MenB) bacteria – the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

For trusted health information, visit: meningitis.org/menb-vaccines

ALT For trusted health information, visit: meningitis.org/menb-vaccines

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Make your Christmas cards count. Send festive wishes while supporting our work. 💌 🎅 10 cards – £4.25 🎄 20-card mixed packs – £3 🧦 Jumpers and slippers – £1.50 UK orders close 11th December. Overseas orders close 27th November. Shop now: meningitis.org/shop/products
Tabby cat with green eyes peeking out from deep snow, its tail raised high above the white surface.

ALT Tabby cat with green eyes peeking out from deep snow, its tail raised high above the white surface.

Image from Meningitis Research Foundation (@M_R_F)
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Another powerful story shared by @gavi to mark #WorldMeningitisDay. Read about José’s family’s experience below 👇
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) profile pictureGavi, the Vaccine Alliance
@gaviOct 5
On #WorldMeningitisDay, we’re sharing the voices of people who know the disease first hand. As a paediatric infectious disease specialist, José Eduardo Oliva Marín knew exactly how serious a diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis could be. So when his 14-year-old daughter was diagnosed with it, that clinical knowledge suddenly became deeply personal. José shares their story, and why recognising the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference: bit.ly/4hBCUww via @M_R_F
Meningitis in your words: José Eduardo Oliva Marín’s story

Meningitis in your words: José Eduardo Oliva Marín’s story

José, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, shares how his work and personal life collided when his daughter Rebeca was diagnosed with meningitis.

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#WorldMeningitisDay plays an important role in the @WHO Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030. We are proud to stand alongside them as we work towards our shared vision. Together, we can #DefeatMeningitis.
World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) profile pictureWorld Health Organization (WHO)
@WHOOct 5
Today is #WorldMeningitisDay Meningitis is lethal. It is also a debilitating illness. Meningitis strikes quickly, has serious health, economic and social ramifications, and affects people in all parts of the world. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type of meningitis. Around 1 in 6 people who get this type of meningitis die and 1 in 5 have severe complications bit.ly/4j5hIS0 #DefeatMeningitis
World Health Organization graphic asking 'What is meningitis?' with stylized bacteria illustrations on a purple background.

ALT World Health Organization graphic asking 'What is meningitis?' with stylized bacteria illustrations on a purple background.

Image from World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO)
List of common meningitis symptoms including neck stiffness, fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting on a blue gradient background.

ALT List of common meningitis symptoms including neck stiffness, fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting on a blue gradient background.

Illustration of an adult hand holding a child's hand with text about meningitis risk in young children by WHO.

ALT Illustration of an adult hand holding a child's hand with text about meningitis risk in young children by WHO.

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Partners like UNICEF play a critical role on #WorldMeningitisDay by raising awareness and sharing lifesaving information. Thank you to @Dr_Ephrem for your commitment to defeating meningitis 💜 Now is the time for action. #DefeatMeningitis
UNICEF Health (@UNICEFhealth) profile pictureUNICEF Health@UNICEFhealthOct 5
“When we act together, we are able to prevent the loss of lives, prevent the disability that comes from meningitis, and we are able to create a better, brighter, and healthier future.” On #WorldMeningitisDay, hear from @UNICEF's Immunization Chief, @Dr_Ephrem on the progress made and what more needs to be done to defeat meningitis by 2030. #ForEveryChild youtube.com/watch?v=tE4QPHBO…
World Meningitis Day 2026: UNICEF’s call to action

World Meningitis Day 2026: UNICEF’s call to action

This World Meningitis Day, hear from Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF’s Assoc...

youtube.com
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Thank you to everyone who supported World Meningitis Day 🌎 By taking action, you've helped shine a light on the impact of meningitis and the need for change. The movement doesn't stop here. Together, we can defeat meningitis. 💜 #WorldMeningitisDay
Image from Meningitis Research Foundation (@M_R_F)
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🕯️We're helping to light the road ahead for World Meningitis Day. Together, we remember lives changed by meningitis and shine a light of hope for the future.💜 #WorldMeningitisDay #DefeatMeningitis
Candle with Meningitis Flag sticker on it

ALT Candle with Meningitis Flag sticker on it

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Thank you to @Gavi for sharing Lucas’ story. A heartbreaking reminder of how quickly meningitis can change lives. By sharing their experience, Lucas’ family are helping raise awareness. Share your story: meningitis.org/meningitis-in… #WorldMeningitisDay
Meningitis in your words

Meningitis in your words

Explore powerful stories of people affected by meningitis and sepsis – from survivors and those living with loss, to advocates working to defeat these diseases.

meningitis.org
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) profile pictureGavi, the Vaccine Alliance
@gaviOct 5
Meningitis can begin with symptoms that seem easy to dismiss. For 21-year-old Lucas Martin, it started with a headache and feeling run down. Within days, he had lost his life to bacterial meningitis. For #WorldMeningitisDay, his father Brett shares Lucas’ story, the speed with which everything changed and the legacy his son has left behind. Experience meningitis through his words, via @M_R_F: bit.ly/4hoGV8G
Image from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi)
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Thank you @UN for sharing life-saving information on #WorldMeningitisDay. Together, we can #DefeatMeningitis💜
United Nations (@UN) profile pictureUnited Nations
@UNOct 5
Meningitis can affect anyone, at any age. It can be fatal and leave survivors with serious, lifelong complications. On Monday’s #WorldMeningitisDay, @WHO shares what you can do to help prevent this devastating disease: who.int/news-room/fact-sheet…
Image from United Nations (@UN)
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Thank you to @Gavi for being a critical part of #WorldMeningitisDay by sharing the voices of people affected by meningitis 💜 Read Isabell’s story below.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) profile pictureGavi, the Vaccine Alliance
@gaviOct 5
Today is #WorldMeningitisDay. For Isabell Wachera, meningitis was not a single moment of illness. After years of seizures, headaches and being told nothing was wrong, she was finally diagnosed with TB meningitis in 2023. She is still living with the after-effects today. Now, she is using her experience to help others recognise the signs earlier and feel less alone. Read Isabell’s story, via @M_R_F: bit.ly/4y0z1Y0
Image from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi)
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Meningitis is more than just a rash. Would you be able to spot the symptoms? Share this post. It could save a life. Learn more👉 worldmeningitisday.org?utm_s… #WorldMeningitisDay #DefeatMeningitis
World Meningitis Day toolkit asset highlighting the signs and symptoms of meningitis

ALT World Meningitis Day toolkit asset highlighting the signs and symptoms of meningitis

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Across the world, there are around 2.5 million cases of meningitis every year. We’re proud to work alongside @WHOEMRO towards our shared goal of defeating this devastating disease. #DefeatMeningitis #WorldMeningitisDay
WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (@WHOEMRO) profile pictureWHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean
@WHOEMROOct 5
It's #WorldMeningitisDay Meningitis is lethal. It is also a disabling illness. #Meningitis strikes quickly, has serious health, economic and social impacts, and affects people in all parts of the world. bit.ly/3xUotjW
Image from WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (@WHOEMRO)
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Brothers Drew and Saul both had MenB as teenagers, just one year apart. This World Meningitis Day, their story is a reminder to know the signs and symptoms and, if eligible, to get the one-off MenB vaccination. 🛡️ Read their story: meningitis.org/meningitis-in… #WorldMeningitisDay
Drew and Saul Darlington

ALT Drew and Saul Darlington

Image from Meningitis Research Foundation (@M_R_F)
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📢 On #WorldMeningitisDay, we're highlighting the vital role partners like @UNICEF play in advancing the WHO's Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030. Hear from UNICEF's Ephrem Lemango on the progress made and the work still ahead: worldmeningitisday.org/partn… 💜
Photo of Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF’s Associate Director – Immunization, Global Health Practice.

ALT Photo of Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF’s Associate Director – Immunization, Global Health Practice.

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🌍 Today is World Meningitis Day. Meningitis is a medical emergency. But together, we can save lives and defeat meningitis. Get involved: 🗣️ Share your story 💡 Help light the road ahead 📢 Spread awareness 🔗 worldmeningitisday.org?utm_s… #WorldMeningitisDay #DefeatMeningitis
A group of men in sportswear holding a World Meningitis Day banner on a sunny outdoor field. The text reads: World Meningitis Day 5th October 2026.

ALT A group of men in sportswear holding a World Meningitis Day banner on a sunny outdoor field. The text reads: World Meningitis Day 5th October 2026.

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🚨 Tomorrow is World Meningitis Day. Join people around the world to raise awareness. 💜 Tell your story 💡 Help light the Road 📢 Spread symptom awareness 👉 worldmeningitisday.org/get-i… #WorldMeningitisDay
World Meningitis Day graphic encouraging action to defeat meningitis. Highlights three ways to get involved: light the road ahead, tell your story, and share campaign toolkit materials. Includes the message: “Defeating meningitis starts with you” and the date 5th October.

ALT World Meningitis Day graphic encouraging action to defeat meningitis. Highlights three ways to get involved: light the road ahead, tell your story, and share campaign toolkit materials. Includes the message: “Defeating meningitis starts with you” and the date 5th October.

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💜 Will you help light the road ahead this World Meningitis Day? On 5th October at 20:30 (8:30pm local time), shine a light for everyone affected by meningitis and welcome hope for a future free from the disease. 🕯️✨ 🔗 worldmeningitisday.org/light… #WorldMeningitisDay
Two glass jars with lit candles inside on a wooden table, promoting World Meningitis Day with the text "Light the road ahead. World Meningitis Day. 5th October at 20:30."

ALT Two glass jars with lit candles inside on a wooden table, promoting World Meningitis Day with the text "Light the road ahead. World Meningitis Day. 5th October at 20:30."

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