inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice Minister of Health Benjamin Paulus Octavianus emphasized the importance of early detection of tuberculosis (TB) in the surrounding environment so that it can be properly managed.

"Early detection is important not only for patients, but also for their families and the surrounding community," said Paulus on Tuesday (4/14/2026).

"For TB sufferers, their families and the surrounding community must also undergo lung examinations. Someone could be infected today, but symptoms may not appear and be detected until next year," he added.

Therefore, Paulus has asked community health centers (Puskesmas) to be more active in tracing close contacts of TB patients, which is key to breaking the chain of transmission and facilitating the healing process.

"The potential for new TB cases remains high due to weak prevention efforts," said Paulus. He cited the example of a region where 100 patients have been treated, but the same number of cases reappear the following year.

"If 100 people in a sub-district have been treated, but 100 new patients emerge the following year, that means prevention efforts haven't been effective. If prevention isn't strengthened, new cases will continue to emerge every year," concluded Paulus.

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