Jakarta, 5 June 2026 – The World Health Organization (WHO), supported by the Government of Japan, has launched a new initiative to urgently tackle measles-rubella (MR) outbreaks and close critical immunization gaps in Indonesia.
Indonesia is facing a growing threat from vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly in high-risk provinces such as North Sumatra and the Greater Papua region. Immunization MR dose 1 coverage remains alarmingly low, reaching only 46.2% in Papua in 2024. In the same year, nearly 83 000 children in North Sumatra and Papua missed their first MR dose, while 150 000 did not receive the second dose.
These gaps have left tens of thousands of children unprotected and contributed to repeated outbreaks in remote areas, where disease monitoring and response systems are the weakest. In 2026 alone, more than 2 131 laboratory-confirmed cases had already been recorded by April. The urgency is heightened by the fact that 25 provinces and 252 districts are now classified as high risk.
To address this, the one-year initiative, “No Child Left Behind: Ending deadly measles-rubella outbreaks and closing immunization gaps in Indonesia,” will strengthen routine immunization, improve disease detection and response and build local capacity in priority areas such as North Sumatra and Papua. It aims to reduce immunity gaps and better protect vulnerable communities from outbreaks.
“This initiative comes at a critical time as Indonesia faces a resurgence of measles. With support from Japan, WHO is working with the Government of Indonesia to strengthen immunization systems, improve disease surveillance and protect the most remote communities,” said WHO Representative to Indonesia, Dr N. Paranietharan.
The project will also strengthen cross-sectoral coordination by engaging education and religious affairs offices, civil society organizations and community leaders, while enhancing the capacity of frontline health workers. This whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is critical to ensuring sustainable improvements in immunization and outbreak response.
“We are pleased to support this important initiative in partnership with WHO and the Government of Indonesia. Ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines is essential not only for safeguarding communities and strengthening health security, but also for preventing the international spread of infectious diseases. Japan will continue to work closely with its partners to support Indonesia’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage and build resilient health systems.” said Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, Mr. Myochin Mitsuru.
WHO and the Government of Japan share a long-standing partnership in Indonesia. This initiative reinforces their commitment to protecting children, preventing future health crises and strengthening resilient health systems. With the Government of Indonesia, WHO will continue to improve routine immunization, enhance disease surveillance and strengthen coordination across sectors, alongside broader efforts to improve primary health care and address emerging health challenges.
Collectively, WHO and the Government of Japan remain committed to building a healthier, safer and more resilient future for all Indonesians.
About WHO:
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. https://www.who.int/indonesia
For more information, please contact:
Bunga Manggiasih, National Professional Officer (Communication)
manggiasihb@who.int, +6281110646998