"This disease has to be eliminated. In October, every year is a Filariasis Elimination Month, now the fourth year since it was announced," the minister said here on Monday.
In addition, she said filariasis is still an endemic in most provinces of the country including Papua and West Papua.
Elimination of filariasis is a serious program for the government, she added.
She said only six provinces where filariasis is not endemic including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, Southeast Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara.
In other 28 provinces of the country, filariasis is still common, she said.
She said this year, 105 districts/municipalities all over the country have mutual program to cope with filariasis focusing on prevention by taking medicines against the disese.
Success has been recorded by 29 of the 105 district areas/municipalities in eliminating or reducing cases of filariasis. Three of the districts are in Papua -- Merauke, Boven Digoel and Supiori districts.
The three districts succeeded in reducing filariasis cases as a result of the implementation of the program of the Health Ministry -- consumption of anti filariasis drug, and immunization.
"The government gives a certificate as a token of appreciation to the heads of the district administrations for the success in minimizing cases of filariasis," the Minister said, adding other districts would follow.
Reporting by Ernes Broning Kakisina
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
