MRF reveals costs of supporting survivors of meningitis is in the millions

09 May 2011

The shocking lifelong costs of surviving meningitis and septicaemia have been examined by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), resulting in the launch of a new campaign on 10 May calling on the Government to pursue the widest and earliest implementation of vaccines to prevent the diseases.

Counting the Cost of Meningitis is a comprehensive analysis of the lifetime impact of the diseases on illustrative case studies:

• Peter, who was 18 months old when he was struck down with septicaemia which left him with multiple amputations and behavioural difficulties;
• Emma, who was three years old when she became ill with meningitis which left her brain damaged, deaf and partially blind.

These illnesses have far-reaching consequences with survivors facing an on-going need for specialist medical care as well as additional educational & financial support running into the millions.

Christopher Head, Chief Executive of MRF said: “Our analysis improves on the patchy existing research in this area, and shows how meningitis and septicaemia affect those who survive, and how they struggle to come to terms with diseases which change lives forever. Counting the Cost of Meningitis makes practical recommendations to Government to reduce the burden of disease through vaccination in the UK.”

Speaking at the event is Diana Man (28) from Kent who said: “I contracted meningococcal septicaemia in November 2007 and have had both lower legs and all the fingers on my right hand amputated. I also have epilepsy. As I get older I am likely to experience other health issues, some due to the active lifestyle I am leading on my prosthetic limbs, and others due to the significant medication I take each day. I’m supporting this campaign as I have survived meningitis and I think it’s really is important to highlight the difficulties myself and others face in the future both financially and emotionally.”

Full media pack including case studies, images and detailed information on meningitis and septicaemia are available here.

See the online campaign here

Event: Counting the Cost of Meningitis
Time: 10th May, 2011 at 4-6pm
Location: Dining Room A, House of Commons, London

Media contacts:

If you require any further information, would like to speak to Diana Man or attend the event please contact Becky Pierce-Jones, PR Manager on 01454 280416 / 07551 968850 or email: beckypj@meningitis.org