Indonesia records 174,000 respiratory cases as haze from Borneo and Sumatra fires worsens — over 40,000 cases in toddlers

Indonesia's Ministry of Health has documented 174,694 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) amid ongoing forest and land fires, with 40,363 of those cases involving children under five. The Director of Environmental Health, Then Suyanti, disclosed that 4,533 active ARI cases presently exist. Suyanti noted that the remaining infected individuals have since recovered.

The ministry is actively monitoring the health impacts of these fires across seven provinces: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan. To mitigate the health consequences, the ministry is implementing several strategies. These include public education on the dangers of smoke inhalation, surveillance of ARI cases in affected areas, and the reinforcement of health facilities by providing essential medical equipment and logistical supplies.

In addition, the ministry is advocating for distance learning (PJJ) in regions where smoke exposure is a significant concern, particularly for the vulnerable group of children. This recommendation aims to limit children's outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates due to smoke. Furthermore, the ministry continues to monitor air quality, ARI cases, and the preparedness of health facilities and medical supplies in the affected regions.

It is committed to ongoing response and prevention efforts to minimize health risks, especially among vulnerable groups, while the fires and smoke exposure persist.