About The Project
The Meningitis and Septicemia Mapping Network (MenMap) is a network of research partners, dedicated to expanding understanding of vaccine preventable Invasive Bacterial Diseases (IBDs) in children; in particular, those caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib); and bridge the gaps between research, clinical practice, and public health policy priorities. MenMap will be operating at a regional level in the Middle East with potential expansion to in North Africa, other African and Eurasian countries.
Goal
To implement real-time PCR testing techniques to improve the diagnosis of Invasive Bacterial Diseases (IBDs) due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza in countries of North Africa, the Middle East and Eurasia (NAMEE) through a laboratory network (the MenMap laboratories).
Objectives
- To improve and facilitate access to diagnostic assays in order to increase etiologic confirmation.
- To implement a common case definition of biologically confirmed cases of IBDs to be used in the network.
- To support and enhance the epidemiological surveillance of IBDs by strengthening the link between the epidemiological and laboratory data.
- To support the implementation of national reference centers for the three bacterial meningitis causative agents.
- To improve available data to help decision making in vaccination strategies against Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza.
Why it matters
In a world where invasive bacterial infections pose a significant threat to public health, the importance of collaboration and innovation cannot be overstated. The MenMap Network stands at the forefront of this global challenge, driven by a clear vision and a resolute mission. Through the collective expertise of academics, the pharmaceutical industry, and governments on both a global and regional scale, we aim to catalyze research activities and foster innovation in the field of invasive bacterial infections. Through this collaboration, we seek to expedite knowledge transfer from research labs to real-world applications, ultimately enhancing our ability to combat these Bacterial meningitis pathogens. Furthermore, the MenMap Network is dedicated to enhancing surveillance and clinical practices in the detection, prevention, and treatment of bacterial meningitis and septicemia.
MenMap Impact
The MenMap project aims to address the significant burden of bacterial meningitis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by establishing a surveillance network for invasive bacterial diseases (IBDs). By collaborating with regional partners and leveraging global expertise, MenMap seeks to improve diagnosis, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, and support the implementation of national reference centers for key bacterial meningitis pathogens. Through real-time PCR technology and standardized protocols, the project aims to enhance etiologic confirmation, inform vaccination strategies, and generate critical data to guide decision-making. Secondary objectives include identifying serogroups, estimating incidence rates, evaluating treatment impact, and documenting clinical outcomes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of IBD epidemiology and management.