Just over a month ago, we celebrated a huge public health win. The World Health Organization (WHO) put its crucial stamp of approval on a lifesaving Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine, a milestone achieved largely through the efforts of an innovative cross-sector partnership between PATH and the vaccine’s Chinese manufacturer, Chengdu Institute of Biological Products (CDIBP).

WHO’s approval, called prequalification, means leaders of country immunization programs and groups that fund vaccine purchases can be confident that the vaccine meets international quality and safety standards, and it sets the stage for purchase and use of the vaccine for populations most at risk of this deadly disease.

Also known as brain fever, JE is a devastating disease that each year kills roughly 15,000 people, most of them children, and leaves thousands more with severe lifelong disabilities. Found mainly in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, the disease affects not only those who fall sick, but also their families, many of whom lack the resources to care for disabilities. There is no treatment or cure for JE. Vaccination is the only viable form of prevention.

This week, we have another cause for celebration. As part of its vaccine investment strategy, the GAVI Alliance announced funding to bring widespread JE immunization campaigns to poor countries that otherwise can’t afford the vaccine. With GAVI’s support, PATH’s continued engagement, and CDIBP’s commitment to ensuring a supply of high-quality vaccine, millions of children will be protected.