August 2007

    News > Bogor West Java August 07, 2007
Preparing for the Worst: Indonesian Government Develops New National Pandemic Plan

Bogor West Java, August 07 2007 - Senior government officials, international experts and representatives from private and civil sector met here today to develop the nations preparedness plan for a global influenza pandemic.

The H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has killed millions of birds and 81 people in Indonesia, has the potential to mutate into a new form that could quickly spread from person to person setting off a global pandemic, experts warn.

“History has shown that a flu pandemic can kill millions of people: rich, poor, young and old. Everyone is at risk.” said Bayu Krisnamurthi, Chief Executive of the National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Avian Influenza Preparedness (KOMNAS FBPI).

“We must learn from the past and prepare for the worst so that everyone, from the government and private sector to local communities are ready to respond. If this is achieved, we can minimize not only the economic and social impact of a pandemic, but we can also save lives,” he added.

The Bogor meeting covered pandemic preparedness issues such as surveillance and detection, isolation and quarantine, public health and treatment, business and critical-infrastructure continuity, as well as national recovery and rehabilitation. Participants examined how communities would continue to receive basic services, including medical care, food, water, power and security.
International experts panel present their paper and discussion at the Pandemic Preparedness Plan Workshop held August 6-7, 2007. Photo by Arie Parikesit/ CBAIC

“Communication will play a key role in the pandemic plan”, said Mr. Krisnamurthi. “It will be impossible for any government or institution to deal with all aspects of a pandemic. People will need to know how to react if the virus strikes and what they can do to protect themselves”, he added.

The new pandemic plan will be finalized in early 2008 and will build on the Indonesian National Strategic Plan for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, developed in 2005, as well as strategies developed by several government ministries and the police and military.  As of 2006, fewer than 50 countries had pandemic preparedness plans.

The multi-sectoral discussions included the Ministry Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information and Communication, the National Military (TNI), the National Police (POLRI), Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, Coordinating Ministry for People’s Welfare, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Jakarta City administration, Indonesian Red Cross . Private sector and non-government participants included Pt. IndoFarma, Pertamina, Persahabatan Hospital, Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital, and private media groups. International experts took part from Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Food and Agricultural Organization, International Organization for Migration, International Federation of red Cross, as well as USAID, AusAID, ASEAN, and the USDA.

The conference was organized with support with the United States Agency for International Development through its Community Based Avian Influenza Control (CBAIC) program.

TANGGAP FLU BURUNG! TANGAN KITA PENCEGAH FLU BURUNG!

 There are steps that every Indonesian can take to lower the risk of contracting the H5N1 virus.
  1. Do not touch sick or dying birds; if you do, immediately wash your hands and   report to local authorities.
  2. Wash your hands and utensils with soap and water before you eat or cook. Cook all poultry and eggs well.
  3. Separate your birds and separate all new flocks for two weeks.
  4. Go immediately to a health clinic if you have a fever with flu-like symptoms and have had contact with birds.

KOMNAS FBPI Media Center

Tod Mohammed (International Media)
0811936674
tod.mohamed@gmail.com

Arie Rukmantara (National Media)
0817754548
rukmantara@gmail.com