Capacity building for PHCs (Puskesmas) in environmental health surveillances – During the environmental health surveillance training, participants tried to measure water quality. The training covered topics and exercises related to basics of environmental health, air quality measurements, food testing, water quality measurements, and vector and animal reservoir. (Photo: WHO/ PKKLI UI)

-------------

WHO and European Union strengthen Indonesia’s health system for a healthier tomorrow

Jakarta, 20 February 2024 – The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) today announced the successful culmination of an initiative to support Indonesia’s emergency COVID-19 response, with a focus on building health system resilience and increasing access to essential health services, for a healthier, more health-secure tomorrow.

Funded by the EU, the three-year ‘Southeast Asia Health Pandemic Response and Preparedness’ project supported eight ASEAN countries to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, including Indonesia. The initiative enabled WHO and the Indonesian Ministry of Health to strengthen health system resilience and minimize disruptions of essential health services in the world’s fourth most populous country, with a focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups, leaving no one behind.

“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted so many lessons but none more critical than the need for solidarity between countries and partners to protect health and well-being and strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities,” said WHO Representative to Indonesia, Dr N. Paranietharan. “Since the beginning of the crisis the EU has been a true friend and an implacable champion not just of WHO but of the government and people of Indonesia.”

In addition to supporting health system strengthening, the initiative was crucial to establishing multi-stakeholder mechanisms such as intra-action reviews, which brought together key ministries, academic institutions and civil society organizations to strengthen Indonesia’s pandemic preparedness and response strategies, ensure alignment with international best practices, and promote whole-of-government, whole-of-society action for health.

The initiative also helped establish a national laboratory information management system and ensure that over 1000 laboratories in the country have the capacity to conduct PCR testing and genomic sequencing, which remains a critical priority. It empowered more than 900 healthcare professionals across Indonesia to maintain access to quality and essential health services in hospitals and primary health care centres (puskesmas), including for COVID-19 case management, maternal and child health, immunization, telemedicine, environmental health surveillance and emergency care.

“By improving Indonesia’s capacities for pandemic preparedness, Indonesia can better protect the health and well-being of its citizens, reduce the burden on its healthcare system, and lay a solid foundation for sustainable development,” stated EU Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Denis Chaibi. “The European Union’s funding underscores its commitment to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, and to deliver tangible results on the ground.”

The multi-year partnership between WHO and the EU is aligned with Indonesia’s national health transformation agenda, launched in 2022, and will provide lasting benefits, helping to prepare for and prevent future health crises and manage ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory diseases.  

WHO will continue to work with the Government of Indonesia to strengthen its laboratory network, enhance surveillance and intensify inter-sectoral coordination. This is in addition to ongoing efforts to improve integrated primary health care, tackle noncommunicable diseases and prevent and control antimicrobial resistance, while addressing cross-cutting challenges such as climate change, gender equality, human rights and disability inclusion.

Together with partners, beneficiaries, and the Government of Indonesia, WHO and the European Union are committed to building a healthier, safer and more resilient future for all Indonesians.

WHO/ PKKLI UI

Capacity building for PHCs (Puskesmas) in environmental health surveillances – Measurement of water quality during an environmental health surveillance training for sanitarians from puskesmas across Indonesia. The sanitarians play a critical role in ensuring the quality of environmental health in the communities. (Photo: WHO/ PKKLI UI)

WHO/ Agrin Zauyani Putri

Evaluation survey of mass drug administration campaigns against lymphatic filariasis – A courageous six-year-old boy residing in Sorong City underwent blood examination with a rapid diagnostic test during the  pre-transmission assessment survey (pre-TAS). Through the survey, Indonesia assessed how many people still show signs of infection after successful rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, one of the various neglected tropical diseases. (Photo: WHO/ Agrin Zauyani Putri)

WHO/ Arie Ardiansyah & Hartanti Dian Ikawati

Strengthening COVID-19 testing laboratory network – Laboratory officer conducted external quality assurance test on whole genome sequencing for COVID-19. (Photo: WHO/ Arie Ardiansyah & Hartanti Dian Ikawati)

-------------

About the European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 Member States. Together, the EU has built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedom. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the goals of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. The EU is the world's largest trading bloc, and the world's largest source and destination of foreign direct investment. Collectively, the EU and its Member States are the largest donors of Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing more than half of ODA globally. The 27 Member States of the EU (in protocol order) are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.

http://eeas.europa.eu/indonesia

About the EU’s coronavirus response in Indonesia

To support partner countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the EU has launched the “Team Europe” approach. The objective of the “Team Europe” approach is to combine resources from the EU, its Member States and European financial institutions. “Team Europe” has mobilised around €200 million in grants and loans to support Indonesia. €5.3 million in grants have been dedicated to supporting civil society organizations to address the health and socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis in Indonesia.

https://bit.ly/TeamEuropeIndonesia

About the World Health Organization Indonesia 

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

https://www.who.int