Palembang Launches Active Dengue Vaccination Monitoring, Targeting 7,500 Children Initially
Efforts to reduce dengue cases and fatalities in South Sumatra have entered a new phase. Following its earlier launch in Jakarta, the Active Dengue Vaccination Monitoring programme has officially commenced in Palembang through a collaboration between the South Sumatra Provincial Health Office, the Palembang City Health Office, and the Faculty of Medicine at Sriwijaya University.
The programme's inauguration received direct support from South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru. He emphasised that dengue is no longer a seasonal issue but rather a long-term health challenge requiring a sustained strategy.
"Dengue is not merely a seasonal issue; it is a health challenge that we must address in a sustained and planned manner. The South Sumatra Provincial Government has a strong commitment to strengthening dengue prevention efforts, in line with national and global targets towards zero dengue deaths by 2030. To achieve this goal, more proactive, data-driven steps involving cross-sector collaboration are needed," Herman said in a statement quoted on 18 February 2026.
High Caseload: Schoolchildren Made a Priority
Data from the South Sumatra Health Office recorded 4,437 dengue cases with 22 deaths at the provincial level up to 31 December 2025. Palembang had the highest figures, with 968 cases and three deaths.
Head of the South Sumatra Provincial Health Office, Dr H. Trisnawarman, warned that the dengue threat persists throughout the year. Based on data compiled over the past five years, the 15–44 age group accounted for 42 per cent of cases, whilst the highest number of deaths over the past seven years occurred among children aged 5–14 (41 per cent).
"Throughout the year, the people of Palembang face the threat of dengue," he explained.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the 3M Plus campaign, environmental hygiene education, and innovations such as ovitraps. However, he noted that a comprehensive approach remains necessary, including vaccination accompanied by active monitoring.
7,500 Children Monitored, 5,000 Vaccinated
The Head of the Active Dengue Vaccination Monitoring programme in South Sumatra, Dr Ariesti Karmila, explained that the programme targets 7,500 children aged 6–10 at 60 primary schools within the catchment areas of 10 community health centres with the highest reported caseloads. Of that number, approximately 5,000 children will receive vaccinations, subject to parental consent.
The programme's inauguration received direct support from South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru. He emphasised that dengue is no longer a seasonal issue but rather a long-term health challenge requiring a sustained strategy.
"Dengue is not merely a seasonal issue; it is a health challenge that we must address in a sustained and planned manner. The South Sumatra Provincial Government has a strong commitment to strengthening dengue prevention efforts, in line with national and global targets towards zero dengue deaths by 2030. To achieve this goal, more proactive, data-driven steps involving cross-sector collaboration are needed," Herman said in a statement quoted on 18 February 2026.
High Caseload: Schoolchildren Made a Priority
Data from the South Sumatra Health Office recorded 4,437 dengue cases with 22 deaths at the provincial level up to 31 December 2025. Palembang had the highest figures, with 968 cases and three deaths.
Head of the South Sumatra Provincial Health Office, Dr H. Trisnawarman, warned that the dengue threat persists throughout the year. Based on data compiled over the past five years, the 15–44 age group accounted for 42 per cent of cases, whilst the highest number of deaths over the past seven years occurred among children aged 5–14 (41 per cent).
"Throughout the year, the people of Palembang face the threat of dengue," he explained.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the 3M Plus campaign, environmental hygiene education, and innovations such as ovitraps. However, he noted that a comprehensive approach remains necessary, including vaccination accompanied by active monitoring.
7,500 Children Monitored, 5,000 Vaccinated
The Head of the Active Dengue Vaccination Monitoring programme in South Sumatra, Dr Ariesti Karmila, explained that the programme targets 7,500 children aged 6–10 at 60 primary schools within the catchment areas of 10 community health centres with the highest reported caseloads. Of that number, approximately 5,000 children will receive vaccinations, subject to parental consent.