Palembang, 12 September 2022
Pneumonia is one of the infectious diseases causing death in children in the world. This disease can be treated if diagnosed early and it can be prevented by immunization. This is evident in countries where the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV is part of the routine immunization programme.
Therefore, WHO recommends that PCV be included in routine immunization programmes for children around the world. PCV immunization will provide effective protection for infants and children against pneumonia.
The Ministry of Health is committed to protect all Indonesian children from the threat of pneumonia through the provision of PCV immunization, which has been carried out in stages starting since 2017. This year, all Indonesian children will receive protection benefits of PCV vaccine.
Today, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, officially launched the implementation of national PCV immunization in Puskesmas Talang Jambe, Palembang City, virtually from his residence.
The event was attended by the Vice Governor of South Sumatra, Mayor of Palembang and all levels of the Regional Government of South Sumatra Province and Palembang City as the host, as well as the community.
On this occasion, the Minister also held a video conference with Governors of five other provinces – Bali, Gorontalo, West Sumatera, DKI Jakarta and East Java – to monitor the readiness of the implementation of PCV immunization at regional levels.
The Minister of Health said that PCV immunization is very important for Indonesian children, because pneumonia is a highly endemic infectious disease and the main cause of death in infants and toddlers. In Indonesia, around 14.5% of deaths in infants and 5% of deaths in children under five are caused by pneumonia.
“Today, the Ministry of Health launched the national PCV immunization. PCV vaccination is very important because it is proven to drastically reduce pneumonia, a fatal disease for children. We have determined that starting in 2022, PCV immunization will be conducted in all parts of Indonesia,” he said.
The Minister of Health hoped that PCV immunization will not only reduce pneumonia-related illness and death, but also prevent children from stunting. Pneumonia not only causes lung inflammation, but also interferes with the patient’s nutrition condition.
“This infection causes many toddlers’ nutrition condition to worsen. Besides reducing deaths in babies and toddlers, we hope that PCV immunization will contribute to reduce stunting as well,” said the minister.
WHO Representative for Indonesia, Dr N. Paranietharan, said that WHO is ready to support Indonesia’s efforts to provide security to all Indonesian children from dangerous diseases, including pneumonia, through PCV immunization.
“We hope that Indonesia can reduce infant and child pneumonia cases and deaths significantly with this national launch of PCV. WHO is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in providing safe PCV immunization throughout the country, ensuring that no child is left behind,” said WHO Representative for Indonesia, Dr N. Paranietharan.
In line with WHO, UNICEF Representative for Indonesia, Manita Zaman, said she fully supports Indonesia’s commitment in including PCV as routine immunization. Expanding the PCV immunization coverage is a good start to prevent pneumonia in children.
"The expansion of PCV immunization nationally is a very important life-saving measure for children in Indonesia," said Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Representative for Indonesia. "We really appreciate the commitment of the Government of Indonesia to ensure the availability of this vaccine widely throughout Indonesia, so that it can reduce up to half a million children suffering from pneumonia and prevent 10,000 child deaths every year."
PCV immunization is carried out at Posyandus, health centers and other health service facilities such as hospitals, clinics, independent practices of doctors or midwives. PCV immunization is given in three doses at 2, 3 and 12 months of age. This vaccine is provided free of charge. It is safe, has been recommended by WHO and passed the test at BPOM.
The Minister of Health appealed to all parties in the government, relevant stakeholders and all levels of society to work together to make the implementation of PCV immunization successful so that we can achieve high and equitable coverage.
“Thank you for the support from all districts, cities and provinces in implementing the PCV immunization. We need the support to protect our children from dangerous diseases, so they can be healthy and productive as adults,” he said.
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