'Bird flu is an issue for all'

Avian influenza has caused fear across the country, with very few people having any real understanding on how to protect themselves against exposure to the virus. The Jakarta Post asked residents whether the government had done enough to contain bird flu.

Wayah S. Wiroto, 35, is a senior staff member of a private university in Jakarta. He lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta:

I believe the government has taken immediate measures in dealing with the avian flu outbreak.

However, it would be better if the government educated its officials on the disease and encouraged all of its institutions to work all-out to contain the outbreak.

As the government's voice in handling any health issue in the country, the community health centers should be empowered as well.

Rulianti, 51, works for a telecommunications company on Jl. Gatot Subroto. She lives in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta:

As far as I'm concerned, the government hasn't put much effort into handling the avian flu outbreak.

I think the government should immediately consolidate all institutions to work together.

Because it seems to me that the health minister is the only one who has taken the incentive.

The government should seriously start to handle this issue, because this issue is not merely the problem of the health minister, it is the issue of this nation.

It would be better if the government held a press conference to communicate the realities of the outbreak: facts on the virus and preventive measures, so that we aren't also dealing with a misled public.

-- The Jakarta Post