Wildfire haze sickens more children as respiratory cases hit 400,000
More than 400,000 people have suffered from acute respiratory illnesses across numerous haze-hit regions, with children accounting for the largest share, as fire risks persist in parts of Kalimantan and Papua amid a delayed onset of the rainy season.
Over 400,000 individuals across various haze-affected regions in Indonesia have experienced acute respiratory illnesses, with children comprising the majority of those affected, the Health Ministry has reported. The health crisis has been fueled by toxic haze emanating from forest and peatland fires, leading to a surge in respiratory cases, particularly among children aged nine or younger.
Between August 20 and November 5, 425,167 cases of acute respiratory illness were documented across seven provinces in Kalimantan and Sumatra, including Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan. In just two weeks, the number of cases in children rose by more than 37,000.
Although fire hotspots have decreased due to recent rainfall, intense fire activity continues in South Papua. Health Ministry spokesperson Aji Muhawarman noted that the ministry has not reported any respiratory cases in Papua. Epidemiologist Dicky Budiman warned that recurring exposure to wildfire haze could have enduring effects on children's respiratory health and overall wellbeing.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
