Headquartered in the UK, they fund groundbreaking research, provide direct support to individuals and families affected, and equip researchers, health professionals and advocates with the evidence and tools they need to drive change. They work to save lives, improve outcomes for people affected and living with the after-effects of meningitis, and move closer to a world free from the disease.
Founded in 1989, MRF began with a clear mission to prevent the devastating impact of meningitis. From the outset, they brought families, scientists and clinicians together to advance understanding of the disease, improve diagnosis and treatment, and better understand the long-term effects experienced by many survivors. Over more than three decades, MRF has invested over £19.5 million in research, awarding more than 160 grants that have shaped knowledge, informed policy, and trained a new generation of experts.
MRF has played a pivotal role in vaccine policy and public health. Their evidence and advocacy contributed to the UK introduction of the MenC vaccine in 1999, dramatically reducing cases, and supported the rollout of the MenB vaccine for infants in 2015. They continue to provide evidence for the importance of introducing new vaccines, including a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaccine and MenB vaccination for teenagers.
To strengthen the global response, MRF coordinates the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), a network of more than 150 members across over 50 countries, and leads on key parts of the World Health Organization’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030, approved in 2020. They guide implementation as part of the WHO Technical Taskforce and lead global awareness campaigns, including World Meningitis Day on 5 October, the largest annual day of action on meningitis. As the Road Map reaches its midpoint in 2025, MRF continues to advocate for national plans worldwide to ensure meaningful and lasting impact for every community affected.
“I just want to say a massive thanks to Meningitis Research Foundation. If it wasn’t for the work they do behind the scenes, the awareness, treatment and vaccines for meningitis wouldn’t be what they are today and I might not be here.”
- Callum Strang, who had pneumococcal meningitis twice before his first birthday, and made a full recovery.
Learn more about their work
here.
