The World Health Organization (WHO) and Encephalitis International on Tuesday unveiled a technical brief on Encephalitis in London, highlighting the condition as a growing global threat and an urgent public health concern.
The brief detailed the global impact of encephalitis and outlines key measures needed to enhance prevention, surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, aftercare, awareness, and research innovation.
“Encephalitis is an increasing global threat. Without urgent attention and investment we will see more needless death and disability from the condition,” said Ava Easton, chief executive at Encephalitis International.
“The WHO’s recognition of encephalitis as a growing global threat marks a pivotal moment. We must act decisively to improve prevention, diagnosis, and care for those affected. Encephalitis disproportionately affects individuals in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC), where healthcare resources are often limited,” Ava added.
Encephalitis is a serious and potentially fatal brain inflammation that can affect individuals of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities. It can lead to severe neurological complications, including permanent brain damage. The condition is caused either by infectious agents, such as Japanese Encephalitis and Scrub Typhus, which are more common in India, or by autoimmune encephalitis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.