Measles Emergency in Jember: Cross-Sector Collaboration in Semboro Targets 95% Coverage
The UPTD Semboro Health Centre intensified its Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) measles campaign on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, responding to a circular from the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Indonesian Health Ministry to address the measles outbreak (Kejadian Luar Biasa or KLB) reported in Jember District in early 2026.
Today’s vaccination drive targeted four key villages in Semboro Subdistrict: Semboro, Sidomekar, Rejoagung, and Sidomulyo. On-site observations revealed the active involvement of village heads and personnel from the Army’s Local Military Command (Koramil) and Police from Semboro Police Station accompanying health workers.
The presence of these local leaders proved crucial in building public confidence and reassurance regarding the safety of MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccines. The Head of the Semboro Health Centre stated that support from the village government structure was instrumental in mobilising vaccination targets, particularly among residents with vaccine hesitancy.
“Today’s collaboration has been extraordinary. Support from village heads, women’s organisations, and the military and police demonstrates that child health is a collective responsibility,” said the Semboro Health Centre Head during a visit to Sidomekar Village.
This acceleration was prompted by data showing declining routine immunisation coverage in East Java over recent years. In 2025, immunisation achievements fell in certain areas, creating immunity gaps in the population.
The Semboro Health Centre remains optimistic that with security support and public education from the military and police, the 95 per cent coverage target can be achieved between March and April. Beyond clinic-based vaccination, health workers have established a door-to-door scheme to ensure no toddlers miss vaccine protection.
The public is urged to immediately report to the nearest health facility if they observe children with high fever accompanied by red rashes, to enable prompt treatment before wider transmission occurs. Although many measles cases resolve naturally, the disease warrants caution due to serious potential complications including pneumonia, diarrhoea, dehydration, and encephalitis.
Measles case incidence this year has moderated compared to the previous year, with no fatalities recorded among all confirmed cases. The Health Ministry emphasises that measles is highly contagious and can cause complications and death if not detected early. Immunisation can prevent the disease. Indonesia currently ranks second globally in measles cases, and the Indonesian Paediatric Association has urged accelerated immunisation campaigns and warned of child mortality risks from low vaccination coverage.