Meningitis Awareness Programme 2026
- Piers Menhinick
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa NZ (MFANZ) is committed to reducing and preventing meningitis across New Zealand - advocating for wider access to vaccines and raising awareness about the disease. MFANZ offers information on symptoms, prevention and direct support for those impacted by meningitis.
What MFANZ has achieved to date:
Advocacy and Government Relations: Stable relationships with Health Ministers and contact with Te Whatu Ora.
Community Engagement: The creation and production of MFANZ bilingual colouring books for children under five years and their whanau – (in four languages - English, Te Reo, Samoan, Tongan).
University Outreach:
Working with five NZ Universities – increasing awareness of meningitis within the student populations (high at-risk groups) - attending key events and directly reaching thousands of students.
Light Up Landmarks Campaign:
Held annually on 5 October - World Meningitis Day. This global event reminds us of the critical need for awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by this life-threatening disease.
Advocacy Video: Production of an educational and awareness video for year 12 & 13 school students.
The two most at-risk groups of contracting meningitis in NZ are infant from 0-5 years and adolescents aged 13-25 years, Maori and Pasifika populations are also at higher risk. Currently, vaccines for ACW&Y and MenB are funded for the 13-25 age group who are in their first years of boarding hostels, university halls of residences, army barracks or youth correction facilities. MenB is fully funded for infants 0-5 years.
MFANZ recognises that higher risk groups cannot always access funded vaccines, and advocates strongly for availability to all young people - working closely with Pasifika and Maori health providers with information to support their vaccination programmes.
Click below for more about the Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa NZ (MFANZ)
