IDAI supports follow-up on hepatitis screening programme
The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) supports the planned implementation of hepatitis screening through the Free Health Check-up (CKG) programme, but has cautioned that early detection must be accompanied by clear treatment plans for diagnosed patients.
IDAI Chairperson Dr. dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp.Kardio(K) stated that screening is a crucial step in identifying hepatitis cases early, but its benefits will be diminished without follow-up treatment and monitoring of patients.
“Screening is good, but there must be follow-up. It should not just be a gimmick. Once a child tests positive, the next steps must be clear,” Piprim said during the peak event of IDAI’s 72nd anniversary at Ragunan Wildlife Park, Jakarta, on Sunday.
He said IDAI is ready to cooperate in supporting the implementation and follow-up of hepatitis screening results in children.
Previously, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the government is intensifying the Free Health Check-up programme to expand hepatitis B and C screening coverage in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) targets.
According to Budi, the government aims for the CKG programme to reach 136 million people by 2026, up from the 70 million target in 2025. This effort is intended to accelerate the detection of various diseases, including liver disorders caused by hepatitis B and C.
In addition to supporting screening, Piprim emphasised the importance of early hepatitis prevention through immunisation.
He explained that hepatitis B and hepatitis A are vaccine-preventable diseases, so immunisation coverage must be continuously improved.
According to him, administering the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth is a vital step to prevent infections that can cause health problems later in life.
“It is very important to give the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as a child is born to prevent health problems when they grow up,” he said.
IDAI believes that prevention through immunisation and early detection through screening must go hand in hand to reduce the burden of hepatitis disease among children in Indonesia.