Ministry of Health Describes 6 WHO Guiding Policies to End the COVID-19 Pandemic

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed six policies that all countries need to do to end the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world.

"WHO says there are signs that the pandemic will end soon and is in sight. This policy is a guide for the whole world to be able to implement it", said Ministry of Health spokesman, Mohammad Syahril, as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, September 16.

First, the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in priority groups such as health workers needs to reach 100 percent. While the elderly meet at least 97 percent.

Update vaccination until September 15, 2022, the total coverage of the first dose reached 203.92 million participants or 86.90 percent, the second dose 170.55 million participants or 72.68 percent, and the third dose or booster reached 62,080,191 participants or 26.45 percent of the total target of 234.66 million people.

"This first booster, there are already three provinces, namely Bali, DKI Jakarta, and Riau, which are already above 50 percent. Meanwhile, between 30-50 percent, there are eight provinces and the rest are still below 30 percent", he said.

In addition to vaccination, WHO also recommends case tracking through testing and sequencing, including for other respiratory disorders such as influenza.

To immediately end the pandemic status, said Syahril, all countries are also required to have a health system readiness to provide services to patients and integrate COVID-19 services with the primary health care system at the public health center (puskesmas) and clinic levels.

The goal is to make it easier for the public to access care services when infected with SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.

The next thing is the country's preparation for the surge in cases by ensuring that all the facilities and health workers needed are available.

"WHO also encourages infection prevention and control by protecting health workers and COVID-19 patients in health facilities", he said.

Finally, clearly conveying information regarding the COVID-19 situation to the public regarding any changes in the COVID-19 policy, including reasons.

"In addition, there needs to be training for health workers to identify and convey this information and develop high-quality information in digital format", he said.