The FETP Udayana Contributes to Enhancing Early Alert and Response System in East Kalimantan

• By Admin
• Selasa, 14 November 2023

Denpasar, Indonesia - November 14, 2023

The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Master of Public Health Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, has embarked on a two weeks-long evaluation initiative. This joint effort focuses on the assessment of the Early Warning and Response System (EWARS) in East Kalimantan Province, with the aim of refining and enhancing the system's capabilities. EWARS, is an early detection system designed to monitor 24 diseases with the potential for outbreaks in Indonesia. 

EWARS evaluation is a collaborative project between FETP Indonesia and FETP Japan, supported by JICA Indonesia. For this evaluation, places particular emphasis on two diseases: SKDR dengue and measles. The evaluation will be performed in three provinces in Indonesia, and each team will be consisting of members from FETP from the 5 universities, FETP Indonesia, the Ministry of Health, and the Japanese team. The team will conduct on-site evaluations in collaboration with local health authorities.

The evaluation team from FETP Udayana are Dr. Dr. Anak Agung Sagung Sawitri, MPH, and field mentor I Wayan Sugihana Aradea, SKM, MPH, whom have commenced activities with a direct visit to East Kalimantan from November 5 to November 12, 2023. During their visit to East Kalimantan Province, the evaluation team has engaged with the Provincial Health Service in Samarinda, the Balikpapan City Office, and the North Penajam Paser Regency Office. Additionally, four Community Health Centers, namely Sepaku Health Center, Klandasan Hilir Health Center, Graha Indah Health Center, and Maridan Health Center, have been included in the evaluation process.

The evaluation activities employ group interview techniques and a meticulous review of records and documents related to EWARS. The standard evaluation instrument, developed by FETP Japan and refined in collaboration with FETP Indonesia, including FETP Udayana, ensures a comprehensive assessment of the system's effectiveness.

Following the on-site visits, the team will engage in internal discussions of the evaluation results from November 13 to November 17, 2023. The comprehensive findings from East Kalimantan, as well as evaluations in other provinces, will be presented at the national meeting scheduled for December 2023.

Dr. Anak Agung Sagung Sawitri emphasizes that this activity is a tangible contribution to the government's efforts, particularly the Indonesian Ministry of Health, in perfecting the early detection system for disease outbreaks. The results derived from this evaluation will play a crucial role in refining and improving the nation's capacity to respond promptly to potential outbreaks. 

This collaborative initiative not only highlights Udayana University's commitment to global health but also aligns with its mission and vision as an institution capable of making significant contributions on the global stage. The FETP Unud Collaboration with FETP Japan serves as a testament to the university's dedication to advancing public health and strengthening global health security.