WHO official Directly Oversees Measles–Rubella Immunization Efforts in Sumenep, Indonesia
Sumenep, East Java – A representative from the World health Organization (WHO), Dr. Chavia, is currently in Sumenep Regency, Madura Island, to directly monitor the implementation of the Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) campaign targeting measles and rubella. The visit underscores the importance of the mass immunization program currently underway in the region.
The WHO team was welcomed by Sumenep Deputy Regent Imam hasyim at his official residence on Jl. dr. Cipto, alongside officials from the Health Office and Population and Family Planning Control (DKP2KB). This marks the third visit from WHO representatives to sumenep to assess the ORI program.
According to Achmad Syamsuri, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Sumenep District P2KB, the WHO team will evaluate immunization coverage and the strategies employed to accelerate completion of the measles immunization drive. “The team from WHO will assess the simultaneous immunization achievements that have been carried out. In addition, it also evaluates the strategy used to accelerate the completion of measles immunization,” Syamsuri stated on Wednesday (September 9, 2025).
As of Tuesday, September 8, 2025 – the 13th day of the ORI campaign – 70.3 percent of the target population had been immunized. A total of 51,990 children have received the vaccine out of a target of 73,969.Deputy Regent Imam Hasyim emphasized the local government’s collaborative approach to boosting immunization rates, actively involving religious leaders and community figures, as well as organizations like NU and Muhammadiyah. “His role is to help socialize and educate and convince the public about the importance of measles immunization,” Hasyim said.
Concerns regarding the halal status of the measles vaccine have been addressed through partnership with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). “The community does not need to hesitate or worry about the status of the measles vaccine.We together with the MUI participate in socializing this measles immunization,so that the community is no longer anxious,” Hasyim assured.