People from 11 high JE-burden districts to be vaccinated
Summary
The government of Nepal plans to vaccinate all people residing in 11 high-burden districts against Japanese encephalitis in the upcoming fiscal year amid rising cases and fatalities.
Key Points
- The government will vaccinate residents in 11 districts with a high burden of Japanese encephalitis due to funding limits despite recommendations to vaccinate all at-risk populations.
- In 2025, there were 41 deaths and 141 infections from JE spread over 45 districts, with highest cases in hill regions.
- The JE vaccine has been part of Nepal's routine immunisation since 2015, supported by GAVI but special campaigns lack dedicated funding.
- Majority of deaths are among people over 40 years, and the government allocated Rs460 million for the vaccination program in 11 districts.
