A single shot can prevent JE, but Nepal’s vaccination programme leaves adults out

Sayal Rai, once a bright 12-year-old, now exists in a permanent vegetative state, reliant on a ventilator for two years after contracting Japanese encephalitis (JE). His mother, Nirmala, shared her distress over her son's suffering, describing his inability to breathe or speak on his own and the painful wounds developed from constant immobility.

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It's already more than two years since the infection, and my son is still on a ventilator.

JE is a viral brain infection that is particularly devastating, leading to death in about one-third of severe cases and lifelong disabilities in up to half of survivors. Nepal is currently grappling with a significant outbreak, which has resulted in at least 21 deaths and 59 infections in the past six weeks alone. Sayal's case is one of many illustrating the disease's permanent alteration of lives.

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He cannot breathe on his own or speak, and has developed wounds on his back from lying in the same position.

While Nepal's routine JE vaccination program covers children, adults bear the brunt of infections and fatalities. Officials are contemplating extending the vaccine to adults, but funding remains a substantial hurdle. Nirmala recounted the immense financial burden, with her family owing approximately Rs4 million (around $30,000 USD) to the hospital. Sayal's care has transitioned to a free bed due to their inability to afford ongoing treatment, a stark reality for many families affected by the disease.

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It is deeply distressing to watch him suffer.