Anticipating The Threat Of Next Pandemic Potential, Immediately Strengthen RI's Health Infrastructure

JAKARTA - WHO released the latest list of pathogens that have the potential to become the next pandemic. The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, emphasized the importance of Indonesia taking anticipatory steps to ensure the national health system is optimal so that Indonesia is ready even if it has to face the worst scenario.

"Data from WHO shows an increase in pathogens that has the potential to become next pandemic. Indonesia must prepare, including the Government's efforts to strengthen the country's health infrastructure so that there will no longer be stuttering like during the Covid-19 pandemic," said Puan, Thursday, August 8.

Based on WHO data, the number of pathogens potentially triggering a pandemic on the list has risen to more than 30 pathogens, including Covid-19, influenza A virus, dengue virus, monkeypox or Mpox, and dengue fever.

WHO had previously also been wary that bird flu could become a pandemic, so they asked for the acceleration of the development of bird flu vaccines for humans in poor countries. Puan asked for warnings from WHO to be taken into account that these diseases have the potential to cause major outbreaks and threaten public health.

"The Indonesian government must prepare several things to ensure that diseases that have the potential to become a pandemic can be overcome," said the first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR RI.

"This includes developing an effective monitoring and monitoring system to detect the onset of a new disease that has the potential to become a pandemic," continued Puan.

Strengthening the national health system to anticipate the threat of a pandemic must also be carried out in the development of laboratory infrastructure, the use of information technology, and cooperation with international institutions. Puan also reminded the importance of developing vaccines and medicines that are effective in fighting diseases that have the potential to become a pandemic.

"The government must also build adequate health infrastructure, including hospitals, treatment facilities, and other health care facilities, as well as ensure the provision of health workers," he added.

According to Puan, this needs to be done because it can help improve the country's ability to deal with disease outbreaks. Then the development of a comprehensive prevention strategy in the community must also be a priority.

"This includes maximizing public awareness campaigns for potential pandemics. For example, by promoting education about 3M and 3T health protocols again," explained Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture said that people need to be reminded again about the practice of healthy living behavior to help prevent the spread of disease. Moreover, said Puan, the community is now back more free in their activities after the Covid-19 pandemic ends.

"I think we already have capital from experience when facing the Covid-19 pandemic. But that doesn't mean we ignore the threat of other diseases, so people must always be reminded to be vigilant by living a healthy life," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Furthermore, Puan asked the Government to develop an effective information system to collect and analyze data related to diseases that have the potential to become a pandemic.

"This will help improve the country's ability to detect the onset of new diseases," said Puan.

"Of course this is our shared responsibility in ensuring the safety and security of the community from the threat of disease. And this collective work also requires the participation of the community itself," concluded Puan.