Meningitis Research Foundation visits the President

03 November 2009

Meningitis Research Foundation were honoured when President of the Republic of Ireland Mary McAlesse invited staff and members of the Foundation to a private visit at Áras an Uachtaráin to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the set up of the charity.

When MRF was founded in 1989 the incidence of both meningitis and septicaemia were very high, resulting in hundreds of deaths a year.  Advances in vaccination mean that several deadly strains of meningitis are now vaccine preventable, but there is still a long way to go in the fight against these diseases. There is no vaccine for Group B meningococcal meningitis (MenB), which causes a majority of cases.

Over the last 20 years we've funded more than 129 different projects, and committed over €19 million to research in all aspects of these diseases.  This makes us the single largest organisation anywhere in the world working exclusively in this field.

One of our major challenges is to help people recognise the symptoms and react swiftly, as timely medical help can save lives.  As a result of our campaigns and resources for the general public, many lives have been saved.

Meningitis Research Foundation has great hope for the future, with new vaccines on the way to help prevent these diseases. The vision of the charity is “a world free of meningitis and septicaemia”.

Many people have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia and we give one to one support to these people. Therefore if you are worried or concerned in any way about meningitis or septicaemia then call the 24 hour Freefone helpline.  The number is 1800 41 33 44 and trained staff and nurses will be there to help you, alternatively go to www.meningitis.org where you will find extensive information about these diseases.
                                                                                                                              
Media Contact: Clodagh Hegarty (Meningitis Research Foundation) 00353 1 819 6931

Notes to Editor:
 
·        Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 24 research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The Foundation has spent 19.2 million on research since its inception in 1989.

·        Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline – 1800 41 33 44 – providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.

·        Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation’s world-renowned website – www.meningitis.org – in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the 24-hour helpline.

·        The Foundation offers support for those affected by meningitis and septicaemia. Trained helpline staff are available 365 days a year. A befriender service links people with experience of meningitis and septicaemia to share their experiences and counsel each other.