On October 1, 2024, a pivotal visit took place at Puskesmas Kecamatan Cilandak in Jakarta, marking a significant step in Indonesia’s fight against tuberculosis (TB) and its preparedness for future pandemics. The visit was part of the Airborne Infection Defence Platform (AIDP) program, a joint initiative between ASEAN and the United States aimed at strengthening TB control measures and enhancing health systems’ resilience to emerging infectious diseases.
The delegation was composed of leading experts, including the Senior Lead Advisor of AIDP, international consultants from the Stop TB Partnership Geneva, and officials from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. Together, they focused on assessing the community health center’s capabilities in five critical areas: TB control, preparedness for other infectious diseases, infection prevention and control (IPC), laboratory services, and field activities. These discussions were crucial for ensuring that the health center could manage not only TB but also be ready for future pandemics.
One of the standout moments of the visit was the opportunity to engage with the TB field workers, known locally as Kader. These dedicated individuals work on the ground to raise awareness about TB and educate the community despite facing challenges such as limited incentives. Their passion and commitment were highlighted as a driving force in the success of TB control efforts at the community level. This visit underscored the importance of the Puskesmas in delivering healthcare and its pivotal role in Indonesia’s broader strategy to fight TB and improve public health.
By focusing on these critical areas, the visit to Puskesmas Kecamatan Cilandak not only reinforced the center’s importance in managing local health but also emphasized the need for continued international collaboration in health security. The AIDP program’s focus on both immediate infectious disease management and long-term preparedness is an essential step in ensuring robust health systems in Southeast Asia.
