Meningitis: DRC Reports the Highest Number of Deaths Among African Countries Monitored by WHO

In 2025, the DRC reported 5,602 suspected meningitis cases and 419 deaths, accounting for 43% of the 971 deaths reported by 24 African countries. A major challenge is accurately identifying the responsible microbe, with only one out of 76 samples analyzed confirming a pathogen. WHO emphasizes the need to strengthen surveillance and laboratory testing to improve intervention strategies. Most cases remain unconfirmed, complicating epidemic control efforts.