Gov’t Launches Measles-Rubella Vaccine Campaign

President Jokowi talks to a student who just has had measles-rubella (MR) vaccine shot at Sleman State Islamic Junior High School (Madrasah Tsanawiyah), Sinduharjo District, Ngaglik, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (1/8)

Measles and rubella are proven to be dangerous if they infect children and in Indonesia, only less than one percent of Indonesian children receive the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during the MR Vaccine Campaign in Sleman State Islamic Junior High School (Madrasah Tsanawiyah), Sinduharjo District, Ngaglik, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (1/8).

“Thus, the number (of children receiving the vaccine) is really small. Only less than 1 percent, 0.05 percent to be exact. As Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture said, the ideal percentage of children receiving MR Vaccine should be above 95 percent, or even 100 percent,” the President said.

President Jokowi also said that we should not take the disease lightly because both Measles and Rubella may be dangerous for our beloved children. Without MR Vaccine, the President added, infection in long term may result in a child born with congenital defects.

“We must be careful. Once again, be careful. Therefore, I fully support the national campaign for vaccination to make Indonesian children free from Measles and Rubella,” the President firmly said.

According to President Jokowi, vaccine is not a new thing because the Government has been successfully promoting Smallpox, Polio, and Tetanus Vaccines before. With that consideration, the President believes that the Government can successfully provide and give MR Vaccine for Indonesian children.

“In order to protect our children, and to ensure their rights to stay healthy and happy, as well as their futures, I want all Indonesian children aged 9 months to 15 years to receive MR Vaccine,” the President said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also instructed all ministries and related stakeholders to be active in disseminating MR Vaccine and explained to parents, teachers in schools, Islamic schools, about the importance of the vaccine and the need to protect the health of the children. “Once again, we invite all schools, Islamic schools, Islamic boarding schools, and the parents to cooperate in promoting the MR Vaccine Campaign,” the President said.

“Open up the access to all Integrated Health Posts (Posyandu), Community Health Centers (Puskesmas), hospitals, and health facilities which are assigned by the Government to give MR Vaccine,” President Jokowi added.

For the record, in the first stage, MR Vaccine will be given in all areas across Java from August to September 2017, while for children outside Java, the vaccination program will be conducted in September 2018, and in 2020 it is hoped Indonesia will be free from Measles and Rubella.

“Therefore, we must begin the task now,” President Jokowi concluded.

Also attending the campaign event were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of Health Nila Moeloek, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Presidential Military Secretary Air Commodore Trisno Hendradi, Presidential Security Details (Paspampres) Commander Maj. Gen. Suhartono, Presidential Special Staff Johan Budi, Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and his spouse, Sleman Regent and his spouse. (DNA/AGG/ES)(RA/EP/YM/Naster)