Low immunisation coverage seen as driver of rising measles cases

Jakarta — The chairman of the Indonesian Paediatricians Association (IDAI), DR Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp.Kardio(K) has highlighted that low immunisation coverage remains a key driver in the rising number of measles cases in Indonesia.

Speaking at an online media seminar held from Jakarta on Saturday, Dr Piprim stated that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease (PD3I).

“The core problem with measles is actually immunisation coverage. This is a vaccine-preventable disease,” said Dr Piprim.

Beyond coverage gaps, vaccine hesitancy driven by the circulation of misinformation continues to impede progress. When immunisation coverage fails to reach herd immunity levels, measles outbreaks begin to emerge.

“Because it is highly contagious, coverage must be high to achieve herd immunity. If coverage drops to, say, just 60 per cent, outbreaks will occur everywhere,” he explained.

IDAI has stressed the importance of strengthening primary health services, including expanding immunisation coverage, and emphasised that all stakeholders must be involved in preventing measles transmission.

Beyond immunisation, Dr Piprim highlighted the importance of improved nutrition, including adequate high-quality protein intake to strengthen immune function, as well as the critical need for early detection of measles symptoms and prompt medical consultation.

“We must not allow cases to be left untreated at home, where danger signs such as pneumonia and respiratory distress go unrecognised, leading to preventable deaths due to lack of adequate treatment,” he added.