Ministry of Health takes comprehensive steps to prevent impact of forest fires on the elderly
Forest fires have proven that environmental crises can rapidly transform into health crises. The elderly represent the most visible face of this vulnerability.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health (Kemenlat) has stated that it is implementing a comprehensive strategy to prevent the health impacts of forest and land fires (karhutla) on the elderly, who are identified as one of the most vulnerable groups.
Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, stated that the forest fires affecting several provinces in Indonesia have caused very serious health impacts, particularly for the elderly. Thick smoke containing fine particles PM2.5 and PM10 penetrates deep into the lungs, triggering both acute and chronic respiratory disorders.
“Ministry of Health data recorded more than 50,000 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) up to the end of August, with almost 40,000 of these occurring in the age group above five years, including the elderly,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Official reports even indicate that approximately 3.8 million elderly individuals live in the eight affected provinces, a figure that underscores the scale of the vulnerability that must be addressed.
The primary impacts on the elderly are diverse, ranging from acute and chronic respiratory disturbances—as fine particles exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—to the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to smoke exposure triggering high blood pressure, inflammation, heart attacks, or strokes.
Other chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and neurological disorders worsen due to oxidative stress. It is not uncommon for the elderly to experience temporary cognitive decline, such as reduced concentration and working memory, which increases confusion.
“Official studies show that sudden mortality rates among the elderly increase during and after major fire episodes. Furthermore, the psychosocial impact is no less severe: evacuations, loss of homes, and post-disaster anxiety increase stress, depression, and social isolation,” he said.
To tackle this issue, Imran stated that the Ministry of Health is preparing health service posts at community health centres (puskesmas), referral hospitals, and evacuation centres, equipped with oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, and essential medicines.
Logistical distribution is being carried out on a massive scale, such as the shipment of over 267,000 masks to Central Kalimantan and over 470,000 masks to Jambi.
“Daily surveillance through the Special Situation Early Warning Alert and Response System (SKDR) continues to monitor ISPA trends among the elderly, while the Public Safety Centre (PSC) 119 and health reserve personnel are on standby for emergency evacuations. Psychosocial support is also being promoted, involving families and volunteers to maintain the mental health of the elderly,” he said.
“Forest fires have proven that environmental crises can quickly turn into health crises. The elderly are the most visible face of that vulnerability,” he added.
Prioritising the elderly in mitigation strategies is not merely an option, he noted, but a necessity to reduce the risk of higher complications and mortality.
“With integrated steps, the health threats caused by forest fires can be minimised, and the elderly can remain protected amidst recurring disasters,” said Imran.