Indonesia continues battle with dengue with vaccines, Wolbachia method
The Indonesia Ministry of Health announced that through October 19 this year, 203,921 dengue cases have been detected with 1,210 fatalities (0.59 percent case fatality).
As part of the push for zero dengue deaths by 2030, the ministry has intensified efforts to encourage people to get the complete dose of the dengue vaccination through the #Ayo3MPlusVaksinDBD movement.
So far, two types of dengue vaccines have been approved for distribution by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).
Agus Handito, a representative of the ministry's arbovirus work team, said that the Ministry of Health is continuing to conduct studies to obtain a recommendation from the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI) so the vaccines can be used in a nationwide program.
The ministry is also utilizing the Wolbachia method, based on research conducted in Yogyakarta and other countries such as Brazil, Australia, and Vietnam, which has proven effective in preventing the spread of dengue.