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Langgam Pos - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has ordered stricter monitoring at international entry points, especially in Bali, to prevent the spread of monkeypox (Mpox) ahead of the Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) scheduled for September 1-3, 2023.
With delegates from Africa, a continent with a relatively high number of Mpox cases, expected to attend the IAF, Jokowi emphasized the need for heightened precautions.
"Not only in Bali, but monitoring at all international entry points should also be intensified by the Ministry of Health and possibly other ministries," Jokowi stated at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 27.
Jokowi urged his cabinet to draw on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in implementing preventive measures to avoid a widespread Mpox outbreak in Indonesia.
"Considering our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge that health protocols be immediately implemented and widely disseminated," said Jokowi.
He also called for specific preventive measures for African delegates attending the IAF. "I specifically request preventive efforts for the delegates coming from Africa," Jokowi emphasized.
Indonesia Prepares 4,450 Mpox Vaccine Doses Amid Rising Cases
The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes RI) is preparing 4,450 doses of the Mpox vaccine for 2,225 individuals. This action follows a rise in Mpox cases in several African countries.
The vaccine will be targeted at high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM).
"In 2024, we are preparing a total of 4,450 vaccine doses, targeting 2,225 individuals with two doses per person," explained Dr. Yudhi Pramono, MARS, Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health.
Earlier in 2023, the Ministry had vaccinated 495 individuals in high-risk groups, prioritizing close contacts of Mpox patients and people living with HIV (PLHIV).
WHO Recommends Targeted, Not Mass, Vaccination for Mpox
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended "targeted vaccination" as a strategy to combat the spread of Mpox, rather than mass vaccination.
"Mass vaccination is not recommended, this is crucial. Vaccination should be highly targeted in areas where the virus is spreading," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said in an exclusive interview with Anadolu, as reported by Antara.
Harris noted that the rapid spread of the Mpox virus has drawn global attention. The virus has two genetic types: Clade 1 and Clade 2, with Clade 1b known for its fast spread and higher mortality rate.
"This is concerning because the virus spreads very quickly and has a fairly high mortality rate, especially among children," she added.
Indonesia Tightens Entry Controls as Mpox Cases Surge in Congo
The rise in Mpox cases in Congo and neighboring countries has prompted Indonesia to increase its vigilance. The Ministry of Health is taking serious steps by tightening health screening protocols for foreign nationals entering the country.
The Ministry has enhanced monitoring at all entry points, including airports and seaports. All arriving foreign nationals, particularly state guests, are required to complete a health questionnaire covering their medical history, contact activities, and recent travel.
The data collected from these questionnaires is critical for the government to map out risks and determine appropriate preventive measures.
WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency
On August 14, 2024, WHO declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The WHO Emergency Committee warned that the disease, previously known as monkeypox, could spread further across Africa and potentially beyond.
In declaring Mpox a PHEIC, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the rapid spread of the disease in eastern Congo and the worrying reports from surrounding countries.
International coordination is deemed necessary to prevent the further spread of the outbreak.
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