The National Committee for Avian Influenza is soon to End

The first option is to organically put Avian Influenza mitigation into the central and regional bureaucracy system. Issues related to pandemic influenza will be addressed by the Coordination Agency for Disaster Mitigation. The disease will be handled by the Ministry of Agriculture, while human infections will be handled by the Ministry of Health.
People could lose caution because Avian Influenza mitigation is no longer a special program. Its mitigation will be conducted along with other zoonotic diseases such as anthrax, rabies, dengue fever, and other infectious animal diseases.
Bayu said around 60% of diseases in Indonesia are of animal origin, for example the HIV virus, Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza, Anthrax, Rabies, even Dengue Fever. “Rabies outbreak in Bali has even caused a 40% decline in tourism,” he said.
If the establishment of a new organization is possible, he recommends a National Commission for Zoonotic Disease Mitigation. “This commission will not only work on Avian Influenza, but also other zoonotic diseases,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Suswono, whom is also Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Avian Influenza ensured that the ministry will evaluate Avian Influenza mitigation done so far. If the National Committee is still needed, the ministry will recommend it to be continued.
“Yesterday we received information from a number of provinces that some areas were struck again by Avian Influenza. This shows that Avian Influenza could reemerge again from time to time if preventive measures are not properly done,” he said.
Suswono said if Avian Influenza is still considered dangerous, he believes that what the National Committee for Avian Influenza has done is good. “The Minister of Agriculture acting as vice to the ex officio will also evaluate and give advices,” he said.

Appreciation for West Kalimantan
During the same event, Suswono and Bayu appreciated what the regional government, private sector, and people of West Kalimantan have done in freeing West Kalimantan from Avian Influenza.
According to Bayu, it was possible because there was will and conviction in eradicating Avian Influenza, there was also consistency in implementation and policies, good leadership, and public participation. Such attitude must be followed by stakeholders in other provinces.
Avian Influenza was first found in West Kalimantan in February 2004. After various efforts, no more case of Avian Influenza was found since May 2004. (MAS)

Source : Kompas