"The transmission is through sexual activity, and this is sexual activity among specific groups. So, what must be done? The health protocol must be good; those specific groups should engage in safe sexual practices," he said.
He made the statement after attending the "Workshop on Improving Cancer Control in Indonesian Women" in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Sadikin said that mpox vaccines and medicines are available. As many as 1,500 people who are at risk of transmission have been vaccinated.
"The vaccines and medicines are available; we are targeting specific groups for the distribution because this is a sensitive issue for some communities," he added.
The minister appealed to the public not to stigmatize people infected with mpox.
"The safety of these people must be protected," he said.
He also urged people who are experiencing symptoms to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.
Earlier, at a working meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday, Sadikin said that as of November 6, the number of mpox-positive cases had reached 34.
Those cases were spread in Jakarta, Banten, and West Java.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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