Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that the handling of monkeypox (mpox) requires global cooperation, as it is transboundary in nature.

She said that the approach in handling the disease is almost similar to that of handling COVID-19.

"Mpox is not only experienced by one country, but it is transboundary, so its handling requires good collaboration," Marsudi remarked during a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday.

In anticipation of the disease's transmission, the Indonesian government has coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO) since hosting the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali.

Marsudi explained that the government received WHO's support for a joint risk assessment and successfully implemented preventive measures aligned with WHO recommendations.

"To date, we have not recorded any mpox cases following the 2nd IAF," she stated.

Indonesia has actively cooperated with other countries to secure mpox vaccine doses. Last week, the country received 1,600 doses of the Bavarian Nordic vaccine from Denmark.

"We are also exploring vaccine purchases from Japan, which produces the LC16 vaccine," Marsudi added.

Furthermore, Indonesia plans to share mpox vaccine doses with African countries, which have also requested diagnostic equipment and therapeutic drugs.

To curb the spread of mpox domestically, the Indonesian government has implemented measures at international airports and ports to screen incoming travelers.

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Translator: Melalusa K, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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