Health Minister Conveys How to Handle Arbovirus Disease
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Bali – Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that there are several ways to handle arbovirus diseases, which are transmitted through insect vectors such as mosquitoes.
"First, educate the public to prevent infectious diseases," said Minister Sadikin at the International Arbovirus Summit Indonesia 2024 in Bali, on Monday (April 22).
Second, controlling vectors or disease-carrying animals and having strong surveillance.
"Then conducting research and vaccine development, and making efforts related to the treatment of arbovirus patients," the Minister remarked.
"For efforts to control vectors or disease-carrying animals, the Indonesian government has implemented this by releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to reduce dengue virus replication in mosquito bodies," he added.
Minister Sumadi stated that the Wolbachia-infected mosquito program implemented in Yogyakarta has reduced the prevalence of dengue cases.
"So, while dengue incidents are increasing in many cities, this is not the case in Yogyakarta because this city has implemented Wolbachia,"
Meanwhile, Brazilian Health Minister Nisia Trindade Lima said the International Arbovirus Summit Indonesia 2024 is a moment for sharing between countries to expand access to technology for combating arbovirus diseases, especially dengue fever.
"This is a moment to increase the health focus of various countries that can expand access to disease eradication technology, especially related to dengue fever virus," Trindade said.
Trindade added that cooperation between Brazil and Indonesia is a manifestation of the fundamental friendship between the two countries in sharing roles and benefits in vector control.
"I hope everyone is productive and engaged in dialogue so that our countries can make progress in arbovirus control," Trindade concluded.