The continuing spread of diphtheria is forcing the government to work faster to prevent more people from catching the disease.
By
·3 minutes read
Kompas/Heru Sri Kumoro
Diphtheria vaccinations are given at Syarif Hidayatullah hospital in South Tangerang on Wednesday (27/12). The vaccinations, which are for children aged 1-19, are being given for free until Dec. 29.
The continuing spread of diphtheria is forcing the government to work faster to prevent more people from catching the disease.
The reemergence of diphtheria infection has led the government to declare a health emergency. Health Ministry data shows that 903 new diphtheria cases were recorded in 130 regencies and cities in 26 provinces between January and Dec. 16, 2017. At least 40 people died and another 600 were hospitalized.
In a limited Cabinet meeting led by President Joko Widodo and attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Wednesday (27/12/2017), it was revealed that diphtheria cases had been found in 28 provinces.
The diphtheria health emergency is deeply concerning as the infectious disease is in fact preventable through diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) immunization. Immunization is deemed basic and mandatory for babies less than one year old. What is more concerning is that the spread of the disease had been curbed in 1990. It reemerged in 2009 and was brought under control once more in 2013.
The government has applied a health emergency response in the form of an outbreak response immunization (ORI) program in Jakarta, West Java and Banten provinces. Health Ministry data shows that ORI diphtheria program coverage in the three provinces was only 4 percent, although the number of new diphtheria cases had dropped.
The reemergence of diphtheria as a health emergency gives rise to its probable causes. Considering that we previously curbed the spread of the disease and that the government ensures vaccine supply, allegations have arisen that this is not simply a health issue.
Religious leaders must also convince the people, and people’s welfare must simultaneously be improved to prevent a repeat of the health emergency.
What has often been said is the rejection of vaccination by small groups of people on the grounds of their beliefs, a lack of trust in the vaccine’s quality and a lack of concern among regional heads concerning immunization programs.
Another aspect that should also be focused on is income levels. Despite the government making the immunization program free for all, not all members of society may be able to avail of it due to their inability to access the service.
Under such circumstances, the tackling of the diphtheria health emergency must not be seen as the sole responsibility of the Health Ministry. We hope the ministry will continue to explain to people that the available vaccines do not violate religious beliefs and that their quality is guaranteed. Religious leaders must also convince the people, and people’s welfare must simultaneously be improved to prevent a repeat of the health emergency.
We must not and cannot underestimate this diphtheria health emergency. The socioeconomic impact and burden will be huge if we do. Human resources development must begin in maintaining people\'s health.
