Fajarasia.co – Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to increase socialization and education about monkeypox, even though this disease has not yet been found in the country. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the disease a global emergency or Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
“Monkeypox has spread in dozens of countries based on the WHO report. Learning from our experience in dealing with Covid-19, Indonesia must be alert to monkeypox or monkeypox,” said Puan, Monday (25/7/2022).
The WHO says there have been around 16,000 confirmed cases in 75 countries, although most cases are from Europe with 5 deaths occurring in Africa. Puan encouraged the Government to anticipate the entry of the disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV).
“Massive socialization about this disease, including increasing education to the public about Monkeypox to increase awareness of monkeypox,” said the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
Furthermore, Puan asked the Government to carry out early detection after Monkeypox had been declared a public health emergency of international concern. He praised the Government’s steps to prepare 2 laboratories as an effort to detect monkeypox early.
“Make sure health facilities are ready to deal with this disease. Medical personnel also need to be reminded to be sensitive to the potential for Monkeypox patients to attack residents,” said Puan.
The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture assessed that the government’s preparedness to deal with Monkey Smallpox could reduce public unrest. Puan emphasized that the DPR will continue to oversee the Government’s preparations in anticipating Monkey Smallpox.
“DPR through Commission IX in particular, will participate in ensuring that the Government is ready if Monkey Smallpox enters the country and what scenario will be carried out against the worst possibility of this disease,” he said.
Monkeypox virus is known to be transmitted through close contact with other infected people, infected animals, or even contaminated with the virus. In human-to-human transmission, Monkeypox is spread from one person to another through close physical contact.
“To avoid transmission, we must be more aware of implementing a healthy lifestyle. This includes not using personal items with other people, such as towels and cutlery,” said Puan.
If they experience fever along with severe headache, swelling of limbs, back pain, muscle aches, lethargy, rash and lethargy, the public is asked to immediately visit a health facility.
Puan also reminded that monkeypox can also be transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses, or from parents to children during pregnancy or after birth through skin-to-skin contact.
“This is the importance of the Maternal and Child Welfare Bill (KIA) to ensure that health insurance for mothers and children is carried out in an integrated manner,” he said.
Puan also encouraged the Government to continue to develop cooperation with friendly countries as a precautionary measure.
“Especially in terms of providing the Monkeypox vaccine, because WHO has recommended that countries implement a coordinated response, including accelerating research on vaccines, therapies and other tools,” concluded Puan.****
