To mark the start of the ‘Protecting our Tomorrows’ campaign, 3,400 teddy bears were positioned outside City Hall in London to represent the number of children that contract bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK every year.
Behind the campaign is renowned photographer Anne Geddes, who has partnered with the International Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) and other meningitis charities from around the world, to meet and photograph children and families who have been affected by the disease over the next six months.
Through the collection of photographs of survivors, the campaign aims to educate parents about the threat of meningitis, as well as the importance of prevention.
According to statistics from the World Health Organisation and Office for National Statistics, bacterial meningitis and septicaemia are the leading causes of death from infectious disease in children under five in this country. Children under one are at greatest risk.
Of the 3,400 children that contract the diseases in the UK, one in ten die.
Those who survive are likely to suffer long-term disabilities, including brain damage, amputations and hearing loss, leaving them requiring additional support.
While a vaccination for Meningitis B, the commonest cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, does exist, it is not routinely given to children, whereas a vaccination against Meningitis C is offered as part of the NHS Childhood Vaccination Programme.
In July, the joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the body that advises the Government on immunisation, recommended against introducing a vaccine against Meningitis B, claiming it would not be cost-effective.
The JCVI is expected to make its final decision next month, after considering evidence submitted by the Meningitis Trust, which has launched a petition as part of its Meningitis B: Beat it Now! Campaign.
Speaking at the campaign launch, photographer and child advocate Anne Geddes, said, ‘We need to empower parents to understand the dangers associated with meningitis. It is my goal that these images will capture the inspirations and strength of these survivors while illustrating the life-changing impact this disease has on families every year.’
Sue Davie, chief executive of the newly merged Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK, one of the charities behind the campaign, said, ‘We are so grateful to Anne Geddes for supporting CoMo’s worldwide campaign. 'We have to keep meningitis prevention high on the health agenda, making sure we take every step possible to protect our children from an illness that steals lives and futures.'
- The collection of photographs taken by Anne Geddes will feature in a special photo book to show the sudden and profound impact meningitis can have. The book will be launched on 24 April 2014, annual World Meningitis Day.
- For information on the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in children visit the Meningitis Trust’s website.
