This week (April 24 – 30) is World Immunization Week 2019. On this occasion, IVI is pleased to present a feature video introducing joint efforts by international partners to accelerate the use of Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine among children across Asia.

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-spread viral disease that mainly affects young children, and is a public health problem throughout Asia (incl. the Korean Peninsula & SE Asia). While symptomatic infection is rare, 1 in 3 such cases result in death – and 1 in 3 survivors are left with long-term neurological health problems. An estimated 68,000 clinical cases of JE occur globally each year, with approximately 13,600 to 20,400 deaths (WHO). There is no treatment for JE, and vaccination is the only effective public health measure to prevent the disease.

Many affected countries (incl. South Korea & Japan) protect their children with routine JE vaccination. However, other endemic countries (incl. North Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines) have not yet been able to introduce JE vaccination for their populations. IVI, in collaboration with partners and supporters, is endeavoring to accelerate the introduction of JE vaccine throughout the region.

·  Watch the video and take a glimpse of the ongoing work in Bali, Indonesia.

·  Learn more about World Immunization Week :  https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/world-immunization-week-2019