Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has issued a nationwide alert following a significant spike in measles cases, recording 8,224 suspected and 572 confirmed cases by the seventh week of 2026. 

"Measles mortality is entirely preventable. We possess safe and effective prevention tools that are available free of charge at healthcare facilities," said Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, the Chairperson of IDAI, as cited by antaranews.com 

He explained that immunization is a fundamental right for every child and called for immediate strategic action to close immunity gaps caused by previous pandemic-related service disruptions.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) currently ranks Indonesia second globally for measles prevalence, trailing only Yemen. In response, IDAI is urging the government and health stakeholders to accelerate immunization coverage, which currently sits at 82.3%, falling short of the 95% national target required for herd immunity.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)