BRIN: Research Becomes a Pillar of Prevention of the Spread of Monkeypox

BRIN said monkeypox became a public question because the information was varied.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Head of the Health Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) NLP Indi Dharmayanti said research is a pillar in preventing the spread of diseases, including monkeypox. This is as in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Monkey smallpox is still a public question, because the information is still diverse. Therefore, research related to this disease is important for the public to know, including the symptoms and what needs to be prepared,” said Indi in the Webinar Talk to Scientists (TTS) themed Monkey Pox, A Global Health Emergency, and What Do We Need To Know? which was followed virtually in Jakarta, Monday (2/8/2022).

Indi said the Covid-19 pandemic provided very meaningful lessons for all, namely the vital role of research in identifying viruses, which resulted in several control measures, health protocols, until the discovery of vaccines used to control the disease. Indi said research and scientific studies were also a bulwark in limiting public panic due to the lack of information on infectious diseases.

With research results, related information monkey pox can be more in-depth and provide enlightenment for the community and strengthen health intervention efforts. In response to the monkeypox problem, the Health Research Organization BRIN ready to identify the virus that causes and conduct research related to monkeypox, so that it can strengthen Indonesia’s readiness if one day monkeypox appears in the country.

Researcher from the Center for Medical and Preclinical Research, Reza Yuridian Purwoko, said that BRIN invites various parties to collaborate on research and innovation in exploring monkeypox. These parties are researchers, lecturers, students, private institutions to industrial partners preparing research and development in the field of monkey smallpox.

“This disease manifests in skin diseases and it can also increase due to infections transmitted through sex,” said Reza.

Monkeypox began to be revealed since 1970. The zoonotic disease is caused by the Monkeypox virus. The suspected reservoirs are monkeys, bats, and rats.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is endemic to West and Central Africa. However, now it has spread to non-endemic countries, such as countries in Europe, America, and Australia.