Defeating Paediatric Tuberculous Meningitis: Applying the WHO “Defeating Meningitis by 2030: Global Roadmap”

Basu Roy, Robindra; Bakeera-Kitaka, Sabrina; Chabala, Chishala; Gibb, Diana M; Huynh, Julie; Mujuru, Hilda; Sankhyan, Naveen; Seddon, James A; Sharma, Suvasini; Singh, Varinder; Wobudeya, Eric; Anderson, Suzanne T

Children affected by tuberculous meningitis (TBM), as well as their families, have needs that lie at the intersections between the tuberculosis and meningitis clinical, research, and policy spheres. There is therefore a substantial risk that these needs are not fully met by either programme. In this narrative review article, we use the World Health Organization (WHO) “Defeating Meningitis by 2030: global roadmap” as a starting point to consider key goals and activities to specifically defeat TBM in children. We apply the five pillars outlined in the roadmap to describe how this approach can be adapted to serve children affected by TBM. The pillars are (i) prevention; (ii) diagnosis and treatment; (iii) surveillance; (iv) support and care for people affected by meningitis; and (v) advocacy and engagement. We conclude by calling for greater integration between meningitis and TB programmes at WHO and at national levels.