The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has stepped up its efforts to detect lupus early through its SALURI (Screening Lupus with Routine Immunology) program. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue.
The initiative, launched in late 2020, aims to screen blood donors in three initial provinces: Jakarta, West Java, and Banten. This targeted approach is designed to identify lupus in its early stages when it often goes undetected due to its non-specific symptoms.
Dr. Amin Soebandrio, the head of the Immunization and Infectious Disease Division at the Ministry of Health, said, “Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for lupus patients to receive appropriate and timely treatment, ultimately improving their quality of life.”
Lupus can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs. It is estimated that nearly 5 million people worldwide are living with the disease, with women being nine times more likely to develop lupus than men.
The SALURI program uses a novel screening method that analyzes antibody levels in blood donations. Samples that test positive are then sent to referral hospitals for further examination and diagnosis. This approach ensures that potential lupus patients receive early intervention, preventing the disease from progressing and causing severe complications.
Dr. Amin added, “By expanding this program to cover more provinces and blood donation centers, we hope to increase awareness of lupus and reduce the disease’s burden on Indonesian society.”
The Ministry of Health envisions making SALURI a nationwide program, with plans to cover all 34 provinces in Indonesia. This ambitious goal reflects the government’s commitment to improving public health and addressing the growing prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the country.
