The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Indonesia’s poliovirus outbreak over. This crucial Polio Outbreak Closure marks the end of a nearly three-year national response effort. Indonesia had maintained its polio-free status since 2014. However, an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) began in Aceh province in October 2022. The outbreak spread due to a dangerous combination of low routine immunization rates and unhealthy environmental conditions in various regions. Consequently, the government launched a massive public health campaign across multiple provinces.
Polio Outbreak Closure: Key Components of the Response
The national response was comprehensive and involved significant resource mobilization. Nearly 60 million additional doses of polio vaccine were administered to children during the campaign. This massive effort included two rounds of nationwide immunization using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). Furthermore, routine immunization coverage was actively strengthened. The proportion of children who received their second dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) rose from 63% in 2023 to 73% in 2024. The introduction of a hexavalent vaccine, which combines IPV with DPT-HB-Hib, also helped to accelerate immunity and reduce the number of necessary injections. Therefore, this multi-pronged approach proved highly effective in stopping transmission.
The last confirmed polio case was reported in South Papua province in June 2024. Since then, no poliovirus has been detected in either children or the environment, satisfying the WHO’s criteria for declaring the outbreak closed. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin credited the success to the dedication of health workers and the commitment from parents and communities. UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman likewise emphasized the power of communities and partners uniting for a common goal.
Maintaining Indonesia’s Polio-Free Status
Even after the Polio Outbreak Closure, health officials stress the need for continued vigilance. The risk of polio remains, especially where immunization coverage gaps still exist in several provinces. Therefore, the government is committed to strengthening routine immunization and enhancing surveillance systems. Minister Sadikin vowed to sustain Indonesia’s polio-free status through cross-sectoral collaboration and community support. WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala called the achievement a critical step toward global eradication. Nonetheless, he urged all countries and areas to remain watchful, recognizing that a polio-free world requires sustained vaccination efforts everywhere. Professionals looking to enhance their skills in safeguarding child health should explore our Certification Course In Healthy Child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What caused the poliovirus outbreak to emerge in Indonesia after its elimination?
The outbreak, which began in Aceh province in 2022, was caused by a combination of consistently low routine immunization rates and poor environmental sanitation. The low vaccination rates were compounded by widespread disinformation that suggested the vaccine was incompatible with local religious beliefs.
Q2: What specific vaccination strategies were implemented to achieve Polio Outbreak Closure?
The Indonesian response included the administration of nearly 60 million additional polio vaccine doses to children. Specifically, two rounds of nationwide immunization utilized the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). In addition, routine immunization coverage improved, and a hexavalent vaccine was introduced to combine IPV with other essential childhood vaccines. Strengthening routine immunization is a key aspect of Certification Course In Paediatrics.
Q3: Which organization officially declared the end of the outbreak and when?
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the poliovirus outbreak over on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This declaration was made after no poliovirus was detected in children or the environment since the last confirmed case in June 2024.
References
- WHO declares end of Indonesia’s poliovirus outbreak following yearslongvaccination campaign – ETHealthworld
- Indonesia announces closure of polio outbreak – World Health Organization (WHO)
- Indonesia declares end of type-2 polio outbreak – ANTARA News
- Immunization campaign protects 8.7 million children from polio in Indonesia – UNICEF
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