Regional Leaders Across Papua Focus on Accelerating TB Elimination in Sorong
Regional leaders across Papua have committed to accelerating tuberculosis (TB) elimination through community-based sanitation approaches, formalised by a joint declaration in Sorong City.
Sorong Mayor Septinus Lobat, speaking on Saturday, said the declaration meeting was a crucial moment to unify regional governments in Papua to address public health challenges, particularly TB, which remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases.
“The presence of regional leaders demonstrates a collective commitment to strengthening public health across Papua,” he said during the TB eradication event opening in Sorong City.
He explained that factors such as overcrowded housing, poor ventilation, limited access to clean water, and low adherence to healthy living practices continue to contribute to high TB transmission risks in various parts of Papua.
“TB is closely linked to living conditions and daily behaviours. Therefore, improving sanitation, public education, and involving all stakeholders are crucial components of the disease elimination strategy,” he added.
During the meeting, regional leaders signed the ‘Sorong Declaration’, outlining seven joint commitments to accelerate TB elimination and enhance environmental health across Papua.
Key commitments include developing community-based environmental monitoring systems, enhancing environmental health human resources, creating health development models based on Papua’s local wisdom, and strengthening community roles in maintaining healthy environments.
Beyond TB, regional leaders also highlighted the importance of food safety in the Free Nutritious Meals Programme.
They stressed that nutritional quality must be supported by strict hygiene and sanitation standards throughout food processing and service.
Dadang Supriatna, Chairman of the Alliance of Concerned Cities and Regencies for Sanitation (Akkopsi), said the declaration forms the basis for strengthened collaboration among all regional governments in Papua to create healthy, disease-free environments.
“Health is not just the government’s responsibility but a collective duty of all community members,” he added.
Meanwhile, Agung Sumantri, Chairman of the Indonesian Environmental Health Experts Association (Hakli), stressed the critical role of environmental health officers in accelerating TB elimination through technical guidance, policy formulation, public education, and on-site sanitation monitoring.
He expressed hope that the commitments in the Sorong Declaration would accelerate TB elimination targets in Papua and establish the region as a model for sustainable community and environmental health development.
“The joint declaration and commitments from all regional leaders are vital for strengthening cross-sectoral synergy to achieve a healthier, TB-free society in Papua,” he added.
According to Sorong City Government data, TB cases detected in 2025 reached 1,003, or about 95% of the target, with a treatment success rate of 71%.
Between January and April 2026, 410 TB cases were successfully detected and treated.