Sumenep, a district on the eastern tip of Madura Island in East Java, faced a rapid increase in measles cases around August 2025. Delayed detection, low immunization coverage and community hesitancy left young children at risk. With suspected cases reaching 2 996 and 205 confirmed cases, urgent response was undertaken to halt transmission and prevent further deaths.
To support the district's efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) worked with the Ministry of Health of Indonesia and the district health office to strengthen outbreak investigation, improve surveillance and accelerate immunization effort. WHO teams conducted root cause analysis, epidemiological investigations, and advocacy sessions with key local leaders. These efforts were reinforced through information sessions and focus group discussions with three hospitals and primary health centre heads to streamline support across sectors.
In addition, WHO supervised outbreak response immunization implementation, delivered on-the-job trainings for health workers and strengthened surveillance and data systems. Combined with community engagement and targeted immunization campaigns, Sumenep significantly improved case detection and boosted vaccine coverage to 96.1%. These coordinated efforts enabled the district to interrupt measles transmission and lift the outbreak status.
The response in Sumenep shows how rapid coordination and multisectoral collaboration can stop infectious disease outbreaks. It highlights the importance of surveillance, community outreach and immunization in protecting children, preventing deaths and ultimately restoring health security.
Written by Mindo Nainggolan, National Coordinator MR Elimination and Polio Outbreak Response, WHO Indonesia