Indonesia calls ASEAN countries to step up pandemic response

Bangkok, June 22, 2009-- Indonesia calls for members of Southeast Asia countries to step up vigilance and response over influenza pandemic that are currently striking the world.

"Even though we are at level 6 of pandemic influenza, for most people life goes on as usual," said Dr.Bayu Krisnamurthi, the Indonesian head delegates for the 2nd meeting of the ASEAN Technical Working Group on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (ATWG PPR) in Bangkok, Thailand.

He said the complacency to the pandemic alert could harm ASEAN members' efforts to strengthen response actions and mainstreaming pandemic influenza among politicians within the Southeast Asian countries. The lack of political commitments could affect the capacity of government's institutions to face pandemic due to lack of support and funding.

Dr. Krisnamurthi delivered the speech as Indonesia is handing over its chairmanship of the ATWG PPR to Thailand at the three-day meeting that is also attended by donor countries and United Nations agencies.

During the chairmanship, Indonesia led the group in overcoming challenges face in strengthening ASEAN's capacity in coping with pandemic.

"We served the chairmanship by providing support, narrowing the gap among member states, mainstreaming pandemic preparedness as well as conducting various studies and exercises," Dr. Krsinamurthi said.

Praises and compliments came from other regional groupings and UN main body for pandemic influenza, UNSIC.

"ASEAN initiatives are highly appreciated and consider as an excellent example of real international cooperation in pandemic preparedness response," he said.

Dr. Bainpheng Philavong of the ASEAN Secretariat said his office received many acknowledgements of the grouping's activities and initiatives.

Dr. Krisnamurthi's call also came amid Malaysia's, Singapore's and Thailand's challenge in facing the outbreaks of A H1N1 in their soils.

Thailand Health Ministry's Director General of Disease Control Somchai Chakrabhand said pandemic flu would not only cause illnesses, but has affected public lives, such as schools closures and public services.

"Furthermore, impact in one country, means impact in another country. Therefore, cooperation is vital," said Mr. Chakrabhand, adding that his government has been facing the outbreak for two months.

Dr. Krisnamurthi proposed that the next working period ATWG PPR should take into account the role of community awareness, non-health sector's preparedness and highlighted the pivotal role of communication.

"So one day, all ASEAN member states will have the compatible protocol and standards operating procedures in the event of pandemic," he told the meeting.