Protect children from deadly Japanese encephalitis

Protecting children from Japanese encephalitis (JE) starts a long way from the quick pinch of vaccination. It takes leadership, education, and coordinated action from leaders and communities around the world.

In August, more than a dozen health leaders from countries where JE is endemic (that is, where the disease occurs regularly) met in Manilla, Philippines, to discuss the best way to prevent and control the disease.

Why meet? Because experience and information matter a lot in the fight against JE. Convened by the World Health Organization, leaders from countries at many different stages of vaccine use (from none at all to years of routine immunization) met to discuss strategies, best practices, and challenges in controlling infection.

The result was powerful, real-time problem solving to help guard more children worldwide from this deadly and debilitating disease.

As a global leader in the fight against JE, PATH was a key voice at the meeting. We reached out to new country partners, shared our experiences partnering with Myanmar, Nepal, and other countries, and offered support and information to countries interested in JE vaccine programs. We also introduced a new guide that walks leaders through the important and complex process of introducing JE vaccines into their countries.

None of this work would be possible without the support of donors like you. In the conference room, in the laboratory, and in communities worldwide, your gifts allow us to effectively and efficiently tackle JE from every angle. Thank you!

P.S. Next year, 2017, is set to be a big one in the fight against JE. National leaders, with support from PATH, global and local partners, and donors like you, have planned JE vaccination campaigns in Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines—reaching millions more children. Stay tuned for more updates!

Links:

• PATH