Minister Suharso Appreciates Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership Programme

Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership Programme during the closing ceremony of the programme on Wednesday (09/10/2024).

According to Suharso Monoarfa, the programme is an important initiative in strengthening health security in Indonesia through the One Health approach by integrating human health, animal health, and environmental health.

“This collaboration not only contributes to strengthening our health system, but also increases our capacity to deal with global health threats, including pandemics,” the Minister said.

In her remarks, the Minister also conveyed a number of achievements from the programme that began in 2020 as follows.

First, strengthening preparedness capacity to prevent health crises. Through training and capacity building of health workers in outbreak management, AIHSP has helped ensure Indonesia is better prepared to deal with health threats such as pandemics.

“This programme also demonstrates the importance of each region having contingency plans that are tailored to potential local health threats, including zoonotic disease outbreak scenarios and pandemics. This plays an important role in minimising the impact of health crises and accelerating mitigation actions,” he explained.

Second, improving surveillance and early detection systems through the use of technological innovation. Through the use of more advanced technology and early detection methods, this programme contributes to improving the Government’s ability to deal with outbreaks more quickly and effectively.

Third, the development of international collaboration and knowledge exchange that positively impacts health governance in Indonesia. Strong partnerships with various relevant stakeholders contribute to accelerating decision-making and policy implementation to be more effective.

Fourth, community empowerment has proven effective in preventing the spread of disease early on. Education by involving local communities, including stakeholders such as community leaders/religious leaders, has contributed to increasing community awareness and preparedness in facing health threats.

Closing his presentation, the Minister expressed his gratitude to the entire AIHSP team, both from Indonesia and Australia, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this programme.

The Minister hoped that other collaborations can continue to be established and provide benefits for both Indonesia and Australia.

Source: Bappenas