For Immediate Release
Press Release
Jakarta, Indonesia. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is bolstering its support to combat the recent polio outbreaks in Aceh, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Highland Papua, and Central Papua. USAID provided $882,750 to the World Health Organization in Indonesia to fund renewed polio vaccination activities throughout the country – underscoring the United States’ long-standing support for efforts to eradicate polio in Indonesia.
“USAID remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s goal of regaining its polio-free status,” said Jeff Cohen, USAID Indonesia Mission Director. “Our interventions aim to reduce the incidence of polio in Indonesia and also mitigate the risk of international transmission.”
The current outbreak began in 2022, when Indonesia reported three polio cases in Pidie, Aceh. Following the outbreak, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (MOH), along with USAID, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other partners, implemented measures such as tracking unvaccinated individuals, enhancing community surveillance, and conducting Supplementary Immunization Activities in Aceh and North Sumatra.
Since late 2022, Indonesia has administered approximately 30 million doses of polio vaccines to 15 million children across Aceh, North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Yogyakarta.
With this new contribution, USAID has now provided more than $3.2 million since 2023 to bolster Indonesia’s national and provincial level response to the polio outbreak and support two nationwide rounds of immunization. During the current outbreak response, USAID – in collaboration with the WHO – has supported the MOH to mobilize 31 million doses of nOPV2 polio vaccine, with an additional 41 million doses currently undergoing approval for use. Supplementary Immunization Activities to deliver the second dose of vaccine to children in Greater Papua and 27 additional provinces are on track to be completed this month.
The new funds will also support health worker training, printing and distribution of informational materials, vaccination activities, and deploying field officers and international staff in high-risk provinces.
USAID has been a steadfast supporter of polio eradication in Indonesia since 1998, consistently funding polio surveillance activities. With USAID’s support, Indonesia achieved polio-free status in 2014, but the recent outbreak highlights the importance of continued vigilance.
In May 2024, the United States and Indonesia extended a five-year MoU on health cooperation, enhancing cooperation through increased research and technical collaboration, investment in human capital development, and strengthened work on pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
For more information about USAID’s work in Indonesia, please visit usaid.gov/indonesia
WHO Indonesia