“While COVID-19 spreads from one person to two or three, measles can spread from one person to 18,” he said during a visit to Sumenep, Madura, on Thursday.
Fortunately, measles can be prevented through vaccination, similar to COVID-19. “Vaccinated children will not contract measles, which can be fatal,” Sadikin noted.
The minister’s visit aimed to oversee the acceleration of a mass immunization program for approximately 70,000 children in Sumenep, which is expected to be completed within two weeks.
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“We have prepared 11,000 vials of vaccine, enough for 80,000 children, and have sent the logistics to Madura,” he added.
Sadikin praised the swift action of Sumenep District Head Achmad Fauzi, who mobilized officials down to the village level to support the program.
The Health Ministry will also strengthen supervision through surveillance across four districts in Madura and plans to establish a specialized laboratory on the island. “With a local lab, we can immediately detect measles and provide vaccinations in affected areas without sending samples to Surabaya,” he explained.
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He urged residents across Madura and other high-risk areas, such as North Sumatra, to ensure their toddlers and children receive immunization. “Measles is deadly. Do not delay vaccination,” he emphasized.
On the same occasion, Sumenep District Head Achmad Fauzi called on government agencies, community leaders, and society at large to support the immunization program to build a healthy and prosperous community.
“This immunization is provided free of charge at all health facilities, including community health centers (Puskesmas), integrated health posts (Posyandu), and schools,” he added.
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Translator: Abd Aziz, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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