Steve Brine joined Parliamentary colleagues in supporting the Meningitis Trust on Wednesday 26th October as a new campaign was launched to combat the disease.
The Meningitis Trust is the oldest and largest meningitis organisation in the world, leading the way on getting support for people affected by meningitis. It works throughout the UK, with a network of staff based out in communities, with the aim to improve the lives of people affected by meningitis by providing free support and campaigning for change where it is needed.
New research has revealed that children who survive meningococcal disease (a type of meningitis) are:
Five times more likely to have speech, communication and hearing problems.
Four times more likely to have mental health problems.
Six times more likely to have epilepsy.
Significantly more likely to have memory and IQ problems.
The findings have prompted the Meningitis Trust to launch a campaign to fight for the rights of the forgotten children who are currently suffering with the impact of the disease in the UK right now.
The 'Meningitis Changes Futures' campaign is calling for automatic assessments and appropriate educational support to become routine for every child who survives meningitis.
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP, Steve Brine, said: I learnt today that one child in four who survives will suffer some form of long-term after-effect. Many children may appear to have made a full recovery but are often left with psychological and neurological problems that may go unrecognised. These children can be left struggling at school and deprived of the educational support they need."
Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust, said: "Parents who have had to watch their child fight for their life when meningitis has struck now have to fight for their child to get the best chance in life. Recognition of the needs of these children should be a right, not a lottery".
Pictured; Steve signs up to the campaign in the Houses of Parliament
More information...
You can join Steve in signing the petition via www.meningitischangesfutures.co.uk.