Those dramatic claims will negatively impact the people. Many still believe such claims. In fact, none of the traditional medications or herbs were approved as COVID-19 medicationsJakarta (ANTARA) - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) deems it necessary to improve public knowledge regarding the safety and benefits of herbs, traditional medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics.
"Public knowledge on safety and benefits of herbs, traditional medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics still needs to be improved," the deputy of traditional medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics supervision at the BPOM, Reri Indriani, noted at a virtual event on Wednesday.
According to a survey conducted by the agency, the level of public awareness of safety and benefits of herbs, traditional medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics was still lower as compared to their cognizance of processed food and medications, she pointed out.
On the other hand, several irresponsible people exaggerated promotions and advertisement of those products, she cautioned.
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She cited one such example being a promotion claiming that a certain herb or health supplement could eradicate the coronavirus.
"Those dramatic claims will negatively impact the people. Many still believe such claims. In fact, none of the traditional medications or herbs were approved as COVID-19 medications," she stated.
In order to address the issue, the agency has continued to improve supervision involving three entities -- government, business players, and the public -- through the people's empowerment program, she pointed out.
One of the efforts was by appointing people to serve as Ambassador of Safe Herbal Medicine and Ambassador of Safe Cosmetics as part of the public empowerment initiative by the agency.
"(It is) because it is impossible for the National Agency of Drug and Food Control to work alone, and the resources owned by this government are limited. People's empowerment, particularly of students, who will become the next generation that (ensures the nation's) continuity, is surely an investment that will significantly impact people's (tendency to apply a) healthy lifestyle," she elaborated.
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To hone the skills of these ambassadors, the National Agency of Drug and Food Control hosted an advanced training, under the 2022 National Agency of Drug and Food Control goes to School/Campus Program.
The event was hosted offline at the Bekasi Horison Ultima Hotel, West Java, and online through Zoom meeting on July 13-14, 2022.
Some 249 ambassadors from across Indonesia participated in the event, comprising 213 Ambassadors of Safe Cosmetics and 36 Ambassadors of Safe Herbal Medicine.
During the two days, they were trained in several aspects, such as presentation and infographic making, public speaking, digital video making, beauty class, introduction to national herbs, and the trend of traditional medication, herb, and cosmetics supervision.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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