IDAI: Eradicating measles and polio requires widespread immunisation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) emphasises that eradicating measles and polio in Indonesia requires an intensive, equitable, and consistently implemented immunisation programme.
“This is known as a re-emerging disease, meaning a disease that was once controlled in a certain period. From historical records, infectious diseases were indeed controlled due to the discovery of immunisation or vaccination. That cannot be denied,” said the Chair of the IDAI Central Board, Dr. Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp. Kardio (K), during a media gathering in Jakarta on Monday.
Piprim gave the example that polio has been better managed since the 1960s with the development of a vaccine for the disease. Cases were suppressed because vaccination was administered on a massive scale.
According to him, given the current situation with a significant rise in cases in Indonesia, the government along with relevant stakeholders needs to intensify vaccination efforts even more and tighten supervision of administrative reports, so that cases can be fully detected and do not cause discrepancies in reality.
The same issue applies to measles vaccination coverage, which is now observed to be declining. Previously, the infectious disease was quite well managed.
He reminded that measles is one of the diseases with a very high transmission rate, where its basic reproduction number (R0) reaches 12 to 18. Therefore, herd immunity is urgently needed as soon as possible.
“When an Extraordinary Event (KLB) emerges, it means immunisation coverage has dropped. The more transmissible a disease like measles, the immunisation coverage must be above 95 percent to achieve herd immunity,” said Piprim.
Another challenge that needs to be addressed by the government, including IDAI, is increasing public education on measles, polio, and the benefits of vaccines. This is because anti-vaccine sentiments are now proliferating on social media.
This includes parties uploading distressing news and inciting the public to doubt government policies.
He suggested that the government also strengthen the role of posyandu centres and their cadres by providing adequate facilities and incentives.
“Health centres are now tending towards curative care, busy with reports. The implementation of promotive-preventive efforts themselves—this I think is the time to make it a wake-up call,” he said.
On that occasion, Piprim emphasised the importance of collaboration among all parties and support from the community to protect the nation’s children from various infectious diseases that could reduce their quality of life in the future.
“Come on, let’s all focus on promotive-preventive measures. So that no more children die from measles. If primary services are good, insha’Allah it will be detected early. I think this is a major homework for all of us,” he said.