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Confederation of meningitis organisations launches website

28 February 2006

The Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (COMO), a network of meningitis and children's health organisations throughout the world, has launched its website, www.COMOonline.org. The site provides information on COMO and its member groups and support services, as well as resources for those interested in founding their own organisations to fight against meningitis and septicaemia within their own country.

Denise Vaughan, Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive said: "The Foundation is delighted to be a founding member of the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations. The launch of the website will provide a useful tool for new organisations in the fight against meningitis and septicaemia."

COMOonline.org features a snapshot of the 'Establishing a meningitis organisation tool kit', a product of the COMO member organisations' shared experiences that will help new organisations to help when they are setting up. The complete tool kit provides case studies illustrating how different organisations have been developed and poses important questions to consider when establishing a group. The website also includes COMO member organisation profiles; information on upcoming events, activities and programmes and personal stories from people around the world who have been effected by meningitis.

Established organisations or individuals who are committed to the elimination of meningitis and septicaemia and/or provide support to those affected by these diseases are encouraged to apply for COMO membership through the site and request access to the complete Tool Kit, which is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German and Mandarin.

COMO was established at the first World Conference of Meningitis Organisations (WCMO) in September 2004 and currently comprises 14 organisations from 13 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.COMOonline.org.

Initial support for the COMO website has been provided by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

What progress is being made?

Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 122 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The total value of the Foundation's investment in vital scientific research is nearly £13.5/€19 million.

 

Find out more about our programme of research.