Minister Of Health Budi: Handling Tuberculosis Needs Knowledge Investment

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Photo: Antara)

YOGYAKARTA - Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the management of tuberculosis (TB) requires investment in science to end infectious diseases by 2030.

"We have to invest smarter to defeat this leading infectious disease killer and to end it by 2030," said Minister of Health Budi at the G20 Tuberculosis Side Event in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, reported by AnTuesday.

He stated that by increasing collaborative networks and multilateral partnerships, the world can develop TB diagnostics, vaccines, therapies, and surveillance systems that are quite effective and efficient.

As host of the G20 Presidency, Minister of Health Budi also said that Indonesia was promoting the strengthening of the global health architecture and advocating for essential TB services where G20 countries could increase TB surveillance among suspected patients, close contacts, and high-risk populations.

"Proactive and risk-based case finding for clinical and subclinical TB patients is very important, bringing diagnostic tools closer to the community, including through x-ray and molecular technology," he said.

Then, increase the use of shorter drug regimens and TB preventive treatment to maximize impact.

"The new regimen is an opportunity to improve medication adherence, people-centered treatment, and reduce drug side effects," said Minister of Health Budi.

In addition, invest adequately and sustainably in research and development of better TB vaccines. "We will be able to end TB by 2030 if an effective vaccine is available by 2025," he said.

He hopes that with Indonesia's efforts to fight TB and achieve the desired results.

Meanwhile, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said investing in efforts to end TB was part of preparedness for future pandemics.

These efforts include implementing and updating tools, digital and artificial intelligence technologies, and comprehensive care packages that can support successful TB treatment.

"Advances in public health depend on innovative financing for TB research, at least it can encourage the discovery of new tools including vaccines," he said.