Palembang Leads the Charge in Indonesia’s Innovative Dengue Control Strategy
Palembang is at the forefront of a new, collaborative approach to combating dengue fever in Indonesia. A recently launched program focuses on active monitoring of dengue vaccinations, positioning the city as a priority area due to its high case load within South Sumatra.
A Multi-Sector Approach to a Growing Threat
The initiative, a partnership between the South Sumatra Provincial Health Office, the Palembang City Health Office and the Faculty of Medicine at Sriwijaya University, builds upon a national rollout that began in Jakarta. Governor Herman Deru emphasized the need for a sustained, cross-sectoral strategy to tackle dengue, which he described as a long-term health challenge rather than a seasonal issue. The ultimate goal is to achieve “zero dengue death” by 2030.
Data from the Health Office reveals a concerning trend: 4,437 dengue cases were reported across South Sumatra in 2025, resulting in 22 fatalities. Palembang accounted for the largest share of these cases, with 968 infections and three deaths. This underscores the urgency for more comprehensive interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups like school-aged children.
Vaccination and Traditional Methods: A Combined Defense
Although conventional methods like the 3M Plus program (Mosquito breeding place eradication, Mosquito larvae monitoring, and Mosquito protection) and public education remain crucial, health officials recognize the importance of innovation. Dr. H. Trisnawarman, Head of the South Sumatra Health Office, highlighted vaccination as a key addition to existing strategies.
The Palembang program will actively monitor 7,500 children across 60 elementary schools in 10 puskesmas (community health centers) with high case numbers. Approximately 5,000 of these children are slated to receive the dengue vaccine. The program extends beyond vaccination, incorporating long-term health monitoring to gain a comprehensive understanding of dengue prevention.
Did you realize? Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause flu-like illness, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
Academic and International Collaboration
The Sriwijaya University Faculty of Medicine views the program as a practical application of its core mission – education, research, and community service. Professor Mgs. Irsan Saleh, the Dean, noted that the initiative will generate valuable scientific data to inform future health policies.
This program is part of a larger, multi-national study involving Thailand, Malaysia, and other Indonesian cities – Jakarta and Banjarmasin. Professor Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro, the national program lead, stressed the importance of data-driven approaches to strengthen prevention strategies. She also noted that dengue vaccination initiatives are already underway in other regions of Indonesia.
Private Sector Support and a Model for the Future
Tekade Innovative Machines is contributing to the effort, demonstrating the role of the private sector in bolstering science-based collaboration. The combined efforts of government, academia, and private industry aim to establish Palembang as a model for innovative dengue control, strengthening public health protection and working towards the 2030 target.
FAQ: Dengue Prevention in Palembang
Q: What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
A: Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Q: How can I protect myself from dengue fever?
A: Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net.
Q: Is the dengue vaccine available to everyone in Palembang?
A: Currently, the vaccination program is focused on 5,000 children in selected schools. Availability may expand in the future.
Q: What is the 3M Plus program?
A: It involves draining water containers, covering water storage, and burying used tires to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, plus additional measures like larviciding.
Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your home and surroundings for standing water, even in small containers like flower pots and bottle caps.
Learn more about dengue prevention from the World Health Organization.
What are your thoughts on Palembang’s innovative approach to dengue control? Share your comments below and let’s discuss how we can work together to combat this growing health threat!
