For World Meningitis, a “chain of light” lights up today at landmarks across New Zealand.

Gerard Rushton, chair of the Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand, said the lit-up landmarks will signal a call to action urging New Zealand to do its part in eliminating meningitis.

“There have been 44 cases of meningococcal disease in New Zealand so far this year, and one death.”

The Meningitis Foundation is lobbying for the vaccination to be accessible for all students under 25.

“The disease affects all ages, but 13 to 25 year olds are particularly vulnerable, while Māori and Pasifika communities are also at high risk of catching the disease and not receiving timely treatment,” Rushton.

Māori have made up 36 per cent of meningococcal disease cases so far this year, and three-quarters of the eight cases aged under 5 were Māori, the highest number of any age group.

To raise awareness among parents of Māori and Pacific Island infants and adolescents, the Meningitis Foundation has launched Te Pukapuka Kauruku Kiriuhi Uakakā, the Meningitis Foundation Colouring Book, which has also been translated into Te Reo.

Globally, meningitis kills one in 10 people who contract it, and it causes life-long disability in up to 40% of people who survive it.

 “Meningitis progresses very quickly and can kill within 24 hours, which is why vaccination is so important because treatment often comes too late. We need to ensure that parents, health care workers, teachers, friends and whānau know the signs and act quickly,” he said.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, Eden Park, Christchurch Art Gallery, New Plymouth Clock Tower, Ashburton Clock Tower, Wellington Cable Car Tunnel and Feldwick Gates in Invercargill’s Queens Park will also light up.

 Gisborne’s clock tower will be the first landmark to light up in purple, symbolizing the city’s commitment to raising awareness about meningitis.

Iwi health provider and general practice Turanga Health in Gisborne helped support the launch of The Meningitis Foundation Colouring Book. Health providers and community groups nationwide will use the book to encourage vaccination and educate parents on the importance of protecting their whānau.

Vaccination rates are too low in the region, and the Te Reo translated colouring book will help create a great whānau experience when community health teams visit Marae, Kura, Kphanga Reo, and Hapu Mama wananga, Turanga Health CEO Reweti Ropiha said.