JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) or the World Health Organization said that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic was in sight even though efforts to deal with this virus still needed to be intensified. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani asked the public to remain vigilant considering that the pandemic is still full of uncertainty.
"We are grateful that the current condition of the COVID-19 pandemic has improved, including in Indonesia. But we must not be complacent, we must remain vigilant because the pandemic situation is difficult to predict," said Puan, Friday, September 16.
Puan said that the success of handling COVID-19 in Indonesia should not make all parties careless. According to her, efforts to handle cannot be relaxed to anticipate various possibilities.
"Don't let us be careless. That the current situation is better than ever. But we must not be complacent, and must always be ready to face the worst situation," he said.
The WHO noted that the global death toll from COVID-19 fell by 22 percent in the past week and made it it its lowest since the pandemic hit the world in March 2022. The number of active cases has also fallen in recent weeks.
Although conditions are getting better, Puan reminded that the emergence of new variants is possible. Even though the wave of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants in Indonesia is now not as severe as the previous Corona wave, it is not impossible that there will be another spike in cases.
"So we must continue to be disciplined in implementing health protocols. Try to live a healthy life, in order to protect loved ones," said Puan.
On the other hand, the Government is also asked to continue to increase the achievement of COVID-19 vaccination, including the third or booster dose. Puan then highlighted the recent decline in booster vaccination.
"The booster vaccine must be accelerated so that the target of achieving the third dose of vaccination of 100 million doses by the end of 2022 can be realized," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.
The DPR supports the Government's commitment to using a domestically made COVID-19 vaccine, namely Indovac and the Red and White Inavac vaccine as booster vaccines. It is estimated that the emergency use permit of both types of vaccines will be issued in the near future.
By using vaccines made by the nation's children, it means that we also support the national vaccine industry. The DPR fully provides support," said Puan.
Until the end of August 2022, the third or booster dose of vaccination in Indonesia has only targeted 62.1 million people or 23 percent of the total population in Indonesia. Puan asked the Government to increase cooperation with various agencies and community groups to accelerate the target of achieving booster vaccinations.
"Based on various studies, booster vaccinations are effective in protecting citizens from the severity and death of COVID-19, including for the elderly. Booster vaccination must be boosted so that the level of community immunity continues to be maintained," said the grandson of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia Bung Karno.
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