Health Infrastructure Also Important for Public Health, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi answers questions from reporters after inspecting Cimahi Community Health Center in West Java province, Wednesday (29/1). (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

Other than medicines to cure diseases, health infrastructure that support public health is also essential, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“Clean drainage and good waste management system can create a healthy society,” President Jokowi said during the inspection to Cimahi Community Health Center in West Java province, Wednesday (29/1).

Other than that, houses with sufficient natural lighting and good air circulation are also important for the health, he added.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also addressed the importance of Tuberculosis (TB) eradication movement by 2030 as initiated by the UN in September 2018.

For the record, TB caused 1.6 million deaths globally in 2017, prompting the UN to initiate an eradication campaign to combat the world’s most infectious disease by the year 2030.

Two thirds of all TB cases occur in eight countries, with India, China, and Indonesia leading this group.

“The campaign should be consistent and massive so that it can meet the target,” President Jokowi said, adding that access to health care and education of prevention are also crucial.

For those who suffer from the disease, he added, must be treated well.

“TB is a curable disease with a six-month-treatment. This is what the people should know,” the President said. (TGH/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas