Finalist
Raising Encephalitis Awareness Together
Summary of work
Encephalitis Society (patient organisation) and Valneva (company producing a vaccine against a preventable form of encephalitis called Japanese Encephalitis) both met in 2016 and began working formally together in 2017. An ongoing relationship developed which continues to positively impact on the charity’s work, as well as Valneva´s business, meeting both of their missions of saving lives through prevention and following diagnosis with this devastating condition.
It was clear from the beginning that Valneva’s vision of contributing to a world in which no one dies or suffers from a vaccine-preventable disease and Encephalitis Society’s mission to increase global awareness of encephalitis, saving lives and building better futures provided great synergy. It was recognised early that by working together and combining global expertise, passion and energy, they could positively influence behaviour around vaccine-preventable forms of encephalitis by speaking with one voice.
The impact of their joint efforts to raise awareness for encephalitis is impressive for a new collaboration and is an exemplar of authenticity and innovation when two organisations who really care come together to solve a problem. This is never more important than now in a global environment of vaccine-hesitancy and the re-emergence of disability and death from diseases once thought eradicated.
Judges’ comments
This programme made good use of the World Encephalitis Day awareness with a genuine partnership based on mutual trust and values. It had an impressive global reach and a shared direction to improve outcomes to patients.
