"Malaria could be eradicated more comprehensively by the Indonesian government," Marty said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government has made a commitment to eradicate malaria not only bilaterally, but also globally, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said after meeting visiting Belgian Princess Astrid on Friday.
"In the meeting, we have made a commitment to eradicate malaria not only on a bilateral forum, but also on an ASEAN forum, and even on a global forum," the foreign minister said at his office in Jakarta.
He also said that the eradication of malaria would be more effective if it is carried out in the countries of Southeast Asia.
"Malaria could be eradicated more comprehensively by the Indonesian government," he added.
The Indonesian government has placed health problems in part of foreign policy, the foreign minister said. In this context, Princess Astrid`s visit provides UN support to efforts the Indonesian government in overcoming malaria.
Princess Astrid is the second daughter of Belgian King II and Queen Paola, who has been sent as a UN envoy to eradicate malaria in the world. On the occasion of World Malaria Day on April 25, Princess Astrid will go to a number of areas to see what Indonesia has done in dealing with malaria, Marty said.
"Princess Astrid came to witness what Indonesia has done in eradicating malaria. She will meet with Indonesia`s First Lady Ani Yudhoyono in a courtesy call on tomorrow, and go to several areas for an observation," Marty added.
According to Malaria Reports in the world in 2011, half of the world`s population has a risk of being affected by diseases from mosquito bites, and to overcome it the Indonesian government by way of the Health Ministry has set a program of Malaria Eradication Movement (Gebrak Malaria) with a target of total malaria eradication from 2015 to 2020.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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