Indonesia Encourages Use of One Health Protocol Data at State Entrances

Indonesia will host the 2022 G20 Presidency. One of the series of activities in the health sector is the health working group (HWG) meeting.

The primary HWG will happen in Yogyakarta from 28 to 30 March 2022. Some of the things that will be discussed are the harmonization of global health protocol standards, the harmonization of the COVID-19 identification system through digital certificates at state entrances, and the harmonization of systems for the introduction and sharing of various health information.

Secretary of the Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid said that in terms of harmonization at this first HWG, Indonesia would encourage initiatives for international travel technical guidelines based on a risk approach with WHO, then harmonization of COVID-19 vaccine certificates with the Digital European Union, as well as air travel guidelines with the International Civilization Organization.

"We want to support the utilization of 1 wellbeing convention information, particularly at the entry of a country, for example, different great practices that have been carried out in Indonesia and different nations. For example, in Indonesia, there is the PeduliLindung application which is integrated with the health system," he said at a virtual press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday (22/3).

The initiative that we are currently pushing in the first HWG, continued dr. Nadia is to strengthen the global health system, following up on the pandemic preparedness response funding mechanism that was previously part of the discussion at the G20 presidency in Italy in 2021.

In the first HWG, it will be necessary to reach a cooperation agreement between countries for the introduction of the verification of vaccine certificates so that they can be recognized in other countries, especially in G20 member countries.

“This protocol can also be a model for other infectious diseases whose prevention can be done through vaccination. This is a long-term step that can be taken to secure international travel and reduce the spread of the virus while maintaining the mobility of international travellers," said dr. Nadia.

In addition, it is necessary to build a global mechanism to increase access and mobility of health resources. This is to strengthen prevention and response to health crises.

In addition to the use of 1 health protocol data, Indonesia also needs to encourage initiatives to expand COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing, treatment, and diagnostics to developing countries.

Another initiative that is deemed necessary at this time is the strengthening of global relations for scientists in the fields of virology, immunology, epidemiology, and other scientific fields related to health crises. The step is to build research centres in developing countries.

"At present, nations with solid economies should help lower-working class economies to have the option to answer the worldwide wellbeing emergency. Obviously, this will likewise help their public wellbeing framework to be more grounded and have better flexibility," he said.