Cryptococcal meningitis
Making treatment available and simpler to use for a deadly disease
Cryptococcal meningitis
Making treatment available and simpler to use for a deadly disease
We are building partnerships to make treatment more widely available and developing an easier to use treatment. Together with partners, we are mobilising support for life-saving treatments to reach more patients in African countries.
Cryptococcal meningitis is a devastating fungal infection. It is caused by the fungus cryptococcus neoformans that is often found in soil and bird droppings. Most people are likely to breathe in this microscopic fungus at some point in their lives but never get sick from it. However, people with advanced HIV are particularly susceptible to it because they have weakened immune systems. The fungus can invade the lining of the brain and other organs, which quickly leads to death unless treated.
Live-saving treatment exists but is scarce. For example, the key medicine flucytosine is not registered or available in many countries in Africa that have a high burden of disease. Where flucytosine is available, it is challenging to use. Another key medicine, liposomal amphotericin B, is priced out of reach of many countries’ health systems.
people die from cryptococcal meningitis every year
0
deaths are in sub-Saharan Africa
0
of affected people could survive if they receive the right treatment combinations
0
%
‘Caring for a person with cryptococcal meningitis is frightening. The treatment is complicated, as are the side effects, and the patient’s condition can change in an instant. Having effective, safe treatments and being able to use them early, is paramount to giving people the best chance of a good outcome.’
Kyla Comins, Doctor and Research Medical Officer, Cape Town, South Africa
What we have achieved
We have joined a broad network of partner organizations, the Cryptococcal Meningitis Action Group, advocating for better access to life-saving treatment combinations for people with cryptococcal meningitis. Ending cryptococcal meningitis deaths by 2030 is its overarching goal.
What we are doing for people living with cryptococcal meningitis
Our aim is to facilitate the scale-up of key medicines in selected, trailblazer African low- and middle-income countries through a comprehensive action plan. We are also working to develop a better formulation of the existing medicines.
Cryptococcal meningitis news & resources
Press releases
10 Jul 2025
Making medical history for neglected patients
We develop urgently needed treatments for neglected patients and ensure they’re affordable, available, and adapted to the communities who need them
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