The onset of meningitis can occur suddenly and rapidly progress, with the potential to become fatal within a matter of hours. Survivors can be left with debilitating neurological side effects ranging from speech disorders to mental retardation and paralysis.

Since 2011, the Sabin Vaccine Institute has been working to improve disease estimates, focusing on Latin America. Through regional symposia, research, and advocacy Sabin will provide a broader base of knowledge on which to build future initiatives, while bringing together key stakeholders to better understand and fight meningococcal disease.