Support research towards Meningitis and Encephalitis
Worldwide nearly 10 million people get Meningitis or Encephalitis (brain inflammation). A large part of them dies or gets permanent residual symptoms. That is why the ItsME Foundation was established in 2019. The "M" stands for Meningitis and the "E" stands for Encephalitis. This is about keeping the brain healthy because your brain is who you are. “It's me…”
We are raising money to enable scientific research in the fight against Meningitis and Encephalitis. This is badly needed. Together we can increase the chances of a cure, "The power of WE is stronger than the power of ME".
Facts & figures
Worldwide, nearly 10 million people a year develop Meningitis or Encephalitis. A large number of them die or have permanent residual symptoms. Meningitis mainly occurs in babies and young children (under the age of five), but adults can also get the disease.
Worldwide
- Annually, approximately 2.8 million people get Meningitis, of which 303,000 with a fatal outcome.
- Annually approximately 6.5 million people develop Encephalitis, of which 77,300 with a fatal outcome.
Estimates from the WHO Global Burden of Disease Study
Europe
- Annually, approximately 45,000 people in Europe develop bacterial Meningitis, of which 20% dies and a total of approximately 20,000 people die or have sequelae.
- Annually, approximately 80,000 people develop viral Meningitis, of which 1% dies and approximately 20% has residual symptoms.
- Annually, approximately 80,000 people a year develop Encephalitis. About 11,000 patients die and about 26,000 people have residual symptoms.
The Netherlands
- Every year approximately 1,000 Dutch people develop bacterial Meningitis, of which 20% dies.
- For viral Meningitis, this concerns approximately 2,000 patients annually, of which 1% dies and approximately 20% has residual symptoms.
- Encephalitis is about as common as viral meningitis, so also 2,000 people per year. Hereof an estimated 14% dies. About one third of the patients have sequelae.
Take action
An ANBI is a public benefit organization. ItsME Foundation has obtained the ANBI status in 2020 rendering your financial support deductible for tax purposes. It also means that ItsME does not have to pay tax on donations. For more information, visit the website of the Belastingdienst.