Women Become The Front Guard To Prevent Dengue Fever In The Family Environment

Dr. dr. Bernie Endyarni Medie, Sp.A(K), MPH explained the role of women to prevent dengue. (doc. Takeda)

JAKARTA - In everyday life, women play a strategic role as household administrators as well as guardians of family health. They not only care for and care for, but also become the main driver in preventing various infectious diseases, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Awareness of this role is the background for the implementation of the talk show 'Mother's Role as Family Keeper' held by PT Takeda Innovative Medicines. The event is a support for the Indonesian Medical Development Foundation (YAPEDI) and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI) in the 13th Annual Women's Health Expo & Bazaar 2025 series.

So far, dengue disease is still a global threat. WHO records half the world's population is at risk of infection, with an estimated 100400 million cases annually.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health reported that until the 25th week of 2025 there were 79,843 cases (IR: 28,18/100,000 residents) and 359 deaths (CFR: 0.45%).

Clinical Immunology Consultant Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. dr. Sukamto, SpPD, K-AI, FINASIM, emphasized that women have a vital role as a bridge for information and driving preventive measures at home and in communities.

"Dengue can attack anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. Even adults who look healthy can become carriers of the virus and transmit it through mosquito bites," he said.

He added that patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, obesity, kidney, diabetes, or lung have a greater risk of complications. Therefore, prevention needs to be done thoroughly starting from the 3M Plus movement, personal protective use, to considering vaccinations that have been recommended by medical associations for children and adults.

According to him, empowering women through education and access to health will strengthen family resilience.

"Prevention of dengue is a shared responsibility. When women lead this step, they not only look after their families, but also build a healthier future," he said.

Meanwhile, Consultant's Child Specialist, Dr. dr. Bernie Endyarni Medise, Sp.A(K), MPH, reminded that children, especially children aged 5'14, are among the most vulnerable groups. Ministry of Health data shows that in the last seven years, the highest dengue death rate is in that age group.

He explained that three phases of dengue disease, high fever, critical phase, and healing phases "as well as symptoms to watch out for, such as high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, skin rash, to signs of danger such as Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

Dr. Bernie insists a person can be infected with dengue more than once, and the second infection is usually heavier.

"There is no specific drug to cure dengue, so prevention is the key, including through vaccinations recommended by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) for children and adults," he explained.

In this case, the President Director of PT Takeda Innovative Medicines, Andreas Gukknecht, added that women are a healthy family center. Takeda is committed to supporting dengue prevention efforts in Indonesia by cooperating with the government, medical personnel, the private sector, and the community.

"There are many steps that we can do, starting from house cleanliness, active 3M Plus, looking for correct information, to innovative protection such as vaccination. Together, we can achieve the zero target of death due to dengue by 2030," he said.