Press Release: Anti-bird flu campaign must go on: Komnas FBPI

Jakarta, March 10, 2010, Komnas FBPI – At the end of his tenure, the
Indonesian bird flu coordinating agency urges that the fight against
avian influenza and pandemic response should continue even without its
presence.

The National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic
Influenza Preparedness (Komnas FBPI) ends its mandate in March 13,
2010, as stipulated by the 2006 Presidential Regulation on the
establishment of Komnas FBPI.

Komnas FBPI insist that all Indonesians, and those who live in the
country, must remain active in curbing bird flu and responding to the
H1N1 pandemic influenza.

'The story of Komnas FBPI from 2006 to 2010 is the tale about the
dedications of government, private sector, experts, international
partners, and community members in dealing with an infectious disease.
This is the most important lesson for taking actions on any infectious
disease in the future, "said Komnas FBPI Chief Executive Bayu
Krisnamurthi.

On the occasion of National Coordination Meeting on the Handling of
Bird Flu and Pandemic Influenza 2006-2010, Komnas FBPI states that
Indonesia has managed to control the wide spread of H5N1 in Indonesia
and responding to pandemic influenza H1N1. Although already under
control, bird flu virus remains exist and may infect people at any
time.

"The key is we must be able to fight the virus, live healthy and know
how to protect ourselves," he added.

Deputy Chief Executive of Emil Agustiono, adds that the strength built
by the commission would be useful to face any environmental and health
crisis in the future.

Emil explained that the current spread of emerging and reemerging
infectious diseases (EREID's) such as HIV/AIDS, SARS, nipah, rabies,
BSE, West Nile, Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and anthrax.

"We need to maximize the capital that we have had and still manage to
be an asset to any health disaster in the future."

To support the continuation of the campaign, the national coordinating
meeting recommends that: first, the war against bird flu still needs
to be continued along with fight toward other zoonoses. Therefore,
there is a need to set up the National Committee for Zoonoses Control
(Komnas Zoonosis).

Second, all works of pandemic influenza preparedness and response,
should be taken over by the National Disaster Management Agency
(BNPB).

And lastly, continue promoting the ideas and systematic approach to an
integrated health system, that merge human health, animal health and
environmental health by involving experts from various fields of
science, including social sciences.

National Coordination Meeting was attended by 300 representatives from
ministries and central government agencies, local governments,
international organizations, social organizations and institutions.

Komnas FBPI extends its appreciation to all experts and government
officials who have dedicated themselves in the fight against avian
influenza and pandemic influenza response; the international partners
who work together to build the capacity of response, surveillance and
early detection; the members of the media who help spread prevention
messages and in particular, to the people of Indonesia, who have taken
the initiatives to make Indonesia safer and healthier.

Tanggap Flu Burung!

Take Action Against Bird Flu, Our Hands Prevent Bird Flu!
Be Flu Wise and Flu Care!