Health Ministry: Nigeria and India Learn Immunisation Strengthening from Indonesia
The Ministry of Health, together with partners, organised the VaxSocial Government Learning Exchange as an inter-country learning forum to strengthen vaccine confidence, with delegations from Nigeria, India, and global development partners conducting a field observation at Posyandu Kepodang A in Depok.
Director of Immunisation at the Ministry of Health, dr. Indri Yogyaswari, stated that the selection of Posyandu Kepodang A as a learning site reflects recognition of the collaborative practices Indonesia has built to increase immunisation coverage. “Posyandu is the heart of public health services in Indonesia. It is where various basic health services are provided in an integrated manner, from monitoring child growth and development, maternal and child health services, health education, to immunisation services. The strength of Posyandu lies in the spirit of mutual cooperation and active community participation,” she said.
The visit provided an opportunity for participants to see first-hand Indonesia’s best practices in mobilising communities through Posyandu, health workers, and cadres as the front line of primary health care. According to dr. Indri, immunisation is one of the most effective, safe, and efficient public health interventions for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Besides protecting each child, immunisation also builds herd immunity, which protects the wider community, including those who cannot receive vaccines due to certain medical conditions.
However, she noted that challenges remain, ranging from the spread of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy to barriers in accessing immunisation services. Therefore, dr. Indri stressed the importance of continuously strengthening communication, information, and education to the public. She also expressed hope that the Government Learning Exchange forum would become a space for mutual learning between countries, allowing various innovations and best practices to be adapted to strengthen immunisation programmes in each nation.
“Indonesia’s experience in building vaccine confidence through Posyandu cadres, health workers, local governments, and cross-sector partnerships is expected to inspire other countries, while also enriching Indonesia’s learning in achieving better health protection for all children,” she said.
Chair of the Posyandu Development Team for Depok City, Cing Ikah, expressed appreciation for Depok’s selection as an international learning site. She said that collaboration between the local government, the Ministry of Health, CISDI, health workers, and Posyandu cadres is a crucial asset in increasing immunisation coverage. “We hope that no child in Depok City is left behind in immunisation. With the spirit of collaboration, we aim to realise a Zero Dose Depok so that all children receive complete immunisation as a foundation for the Golden Generation 2045,” she said.