Global, Regional, and National Burden of Meningitis in Children Aged 0-14 Years From 1990 to 2021: Trends and Disparities Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Abstract

BackgroundMeningitis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children aged 0-14 years, especially in low- and middle-income countries, despite global advances in vaccines and health care.MethodsBased on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data, we assessed meningitis-related prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in children aged 0-14 across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021, stratified by age, sex, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Trends were evaluated using Estimated Annual Percentage Change.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, global prevalence, deaths, and DALYs declined by 52.0%, 69.2%, and 69.1%, respectively. The highest burden in 2021 was observed in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Disease burden showed wide geographic variation and was inversely correlated with SDI. Leading attributable risks included malnutrition and behavioral factors.ConclusionsAlthough meningitis burden has decreased globally, regional disparities persist. Sustained vaccination, health system strengthening, and targeted interventions in high-burden areas remain critical to reducing preventable childhood deaths and disabilities.