Indonesia Strengthens cross-Sector Coordination to Combat Bird Flu Threat
In a proactive move to address teh escalating global threat of bird flu, the Coordinating Ministry for Human progress and Culture (Kemenko PMK) convened a cross-sector coordination meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2025. The meeting, held at the Kemenko PMK Office, brought together key stakeholders to enhance awareness and preparedness against the virus, which has shown increased risks across species, including humans.
Deputy for Health Quality Betterment at Kemenko PMK, Sukadiono, emphasized the urgency of anticipatory measures. “The global development of bird flu shows an increased risk across species, including humans. We must strengthen early detection, supervision, and synergy between sectors in facing this challenge,” he stated.
Rising Global concerns
The meeting reviewed the alarming global situation of bird flu, including the first human deaths due to H5N1 in the United States and Cambodia. The virus has spread through wild birds and even infected mammals such as dairy cows in the Americas. Cases in humans and animals have also surged in China and Europe, underscoring the need for a coordinated response.
sukadiono highlighted the importance of technology-based research and cross-sector collaboration. “BRIN must lead the development of early detection and risk mitigation technology. we also need continuity of work between the human, animal, and environmental sectors to ensure preventive measures run optimally,” he added.
Regulatory Frameworks and Follow-Up Actions
Indonesia has established robust regulatory frameworks to tackle zoonotic diseases, including Permenko PMK No. 7 of 2022 concerning Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Zoonoses and New Infectious Diseases. Additionally, Coordinating Minister for PMK Decree no. 20 of 2024 mandates the formation of a Coordination Team for the Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses and New infectious Diseases, in line with Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2019.
Key follow-up actions include:
- Strengthening surveillance and early detection systems.
- Enhancing laboratory systems and coordination mechanisms.
- Increasing influenza surveillance among livestock workers.
- Conducting testing and surveillance on mammals and wild animals.
Development partners such as FAO,WHO,CDC Indonesia,and professional associations were also invited to contribute to the national action plan.
A Call for Collective Action
Assistant Deputy for Capacity building and Health Resilience at Kemenko PMK,Nancy Dian Anggraeni,stressed the importance of strengthening regulations,cross-sector human resource readiness,and funding for preventive measures. “We must move together, not only relying on regulations and policies but also real action in the field, so that the remarkable incident and bird flu outbreak in 2005-2017, with a high human death rate (87%), will not happen again,” she said.
The event saw participation from various ministries, agencies, and organizations, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Indonesian Quarantine Agency.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Global Threat | Increased risk of bird flu across species, including humans. |
| Regulatory Frameworks | Permenko PMK No. 7 of 2022, Coordinating Minister for PMK Decree No. 20 of 2024. |
| Follow-Up Actions | Strengthening surveillance, early detection, and cross-sector coordination.|
| Development Partners | FAO, WHO, CDC Indonesia, and professional associations. |
Indonesia’s proactive approach underscores the importance of collective action and innovation in mitigating the threat of bird flu. As the world grapples with this evolving challenge, the nation’s efforts serve as a model for cross-sector collaboration and preparedness.
For more updates on Indonesia’s health initiatives, visit the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture.
Indonesia’s Cross-Sector Strategy to Combat the Rising Threat of Bird Flu
in response to the escalating global threat of bird flu, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) recently convened a high-level meeting to strengthen cross-sector coordination and preparedness. The meeting,held on January 16,2025,focused on mitigating the risks posed by the H5N1 virus,which has shown alarming transmissibility across species,including humans. Dr. sukadiono, Deputy for Health Quality Betterment at Kemenko PMK, emphasized the urgency of anticipatory measures and technological innovation in addressing this public health challenge.
Rising Global Concerns: A Coordinated Response
Senior Editor: Dr. Adi Nugroho, as an expert in zoonotic diseases, can you shed light on the current global situation of bird flu and its implications for Indonesia?
Dr. Adi Nugroho: Certainly.The H5N1 virus has become a meaningful global concern, with recent cases reported in the United States, Cambodia, China, and Europe. The virus has not only affected poultry but has also spread to mammals, including dairy cows, and even wild birds. This cross-species transmission increases the risk of human infections, as seen in the first human deaths reported in the U.S. and Cambodia. Indonesia must remain vigilant and strengthen its early detection and surveillance systems to prevent a similar outbreak [[1]].
Regulatory Frameworks and Follow-Up Actions
senior Editor: Indonesia has established several regulatory frameworks to tackle zoonotic diseases. Can you elaborate on these and their effectiveness?
Dr. Adi Nugroho: Absolutely. Indonesia has implemented robust regulatory frameworks, such as Permenko PMK No. 7 of 2022 and Coordinating Minister for PMK Decree No. 20 of 2024, which focus on the prevention and control of zoonoses and new infectious diseases. These regulations mandate the formation of a Coordination Team for the Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses. Key follow-up actions include strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capabilities, and increasing influenza surveillance among livestock workers. These measures are critical to ensuring a coordinated and effective response [[2]].
Technology and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Senior Editor: Dr. Sukadiono highlighted the importance of technology and cross-sector collaboration.How do you see these elements contributing to Indonesia’s preparedness?
Dr. Adi Nugroho: Technology plays a pivotal role in early detection and risk mitigation. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is spearheading the development of advanced detection technologies, which are essential for identifying outbreaks before they escalate. additionally, cross-sector collaboration ensures continuity between the human, animal, and environmental sectors.This holistic approach is vital for implementing preventive measures effectively and minimizing the risk of transmission [[3]].
A Call for Collective Action
Senior Editor: Nancy Dian Anggraeni, Assistant Deputy for Capacity Building and Health Resilience, stressed the importance of collective action. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Adi Nugroho: Collective action is indeed crucial. regulations and policies alone are not enough; we need real, on-the-ground efforts. Strengthening human resource readiness across sectors, securing adequate funding, and fostering partnerships with organizations like FAO, WHO, and CDC Indonesia are essential steps. By working together, we can prevent a recurrence of the devastating bird flu outbreak of 2005-2017, which claimed many lives [[1]].
Key Takeaways
Senior Editor: what are the key takeaways from Indonesia’s approach to combating bird flu?
Dr.Adi Nugroho: Indonesia’s proactive approach demonstrates the importance of innovation, collaboration, and preparedness. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, leveraging technology, and fostering cross-sector partnerships are critical to mitigating the threat of bird flu. As the world grapples with this evolving challenge,Indonesia’s efforts serve as a model for effective coordination and action [[2]].
