Every 25 Minutes 1 Indonesian Woman Dies from Cervical Cancer, Pramono: A Serious Threat

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung highlighted cervical cancer, which is a serious problem. He said this disease still takes the lives of Indonesian women at an alarming rate, a fact that he said could no longer be considered normal.

Pramono made the statement while attending a free HPV vaccination activity towards the 500th Anniversary of Jakarta.

"Cervical cancer is still a serious threat. Data shows that every 25 minutes one Indonesian woman dies from cervical cancer. Of course, this data challenges all of us, especially for me as the Governor of Jakarta who doesn't know," said Pramono at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, December 23.

Pramono emphasized that most cases of cervical cancer can actually be prevented. Prevention can be done through HPV vaccination accompanied by periodic early detection.

"In the context of cervical cancer, about 90 percent of cases can actually be prevented through HPV vaccination accompanied by periodic early detection," said Pramono.

According to Pramono, the high death rate due to cervical cancer shows that the strengthening of preventive policies has not been maximized. He said this should be the main concern of the local government, in line with the mandate of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health.

"This fact is a reminder that we must encourage the strengthening of preventive measures in line with the mandate of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health," he said.

Pramono also highlighted the need for special attention from the DKI Jakarta Health Office to handle cervical cancer, beyond the focus on handling infectious diseases which have been more dominant.

"For this reason, I will ask the Head of the Health Office, for us in Jakarta, besides TB which was conveyed by Mr. Minister, I want for things related to cervical cancer to be properly handled," explained Pramono.

Currently, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has carried out a number of cancer prevention and treatment programs, ranging from health examination services to palliative care for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and the elderly.

"The DKI Jakarta Government is committed to strengthening early detection and cancer treatment prevention efforts through various programs, including free health check services at every health facility, HPV vaccination for grade 5 and grade 6 elementary school students, and palliative cancer services integrated with the White Army," he said.

Pramono admitted that HPV vaccination in the adult age group is still classified as an optional immunization. However, he assessed that free vaccination activities are important to emphasize that prevention must be placed as a long-term investment.

"I realize that HPV vaccination in the adult age group is still considered an optional immunization. Therefore, the 500 free HPV vaccine activities today are very important to emphasize that disease prevention is a long-term investment in maintaining the health of women, families, and the next generation of the nation," he concluded.