Various Endemic Diseases in Indonesia

Endemic disease is a disease that attacks a specific geographical area or population group. Endemic diseases still have a wide impact, especially on people in developing countries. This is partly related to uneven development, as well as preventive and treatment measures that are difficult to reach. Globally, the world health organization or the World Health Organization (WHO) seeks to help prevent disease, while helping to open access to wider health, to increase efforts to deal with cases of endemic diseases in the world, including Indonesia.

Influenced by Climate Change and Various Environmental Factors

One of the common diseases that appear in Indonesia as an endemic disease is dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Diseases caused by dengue virus transmitted through mosquitoes can occur throughout the year. As mobility and population density increase, the number of DHF sufferers and the area of ​​its spread is increasing. Based on data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the incidence of DHF from 1968 - 2015 tends to increase. Climate change in Indonesia has become a very influential factor in the proliferation of DHF vectors, namely Aedes mosquitoes. In addition to DHF, there are several other endemic diseases in Indonesia, including the following:

• Malaria

Malaria is a disease that is transmitted through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes that contain plasmodium, which is a parasite that causes malaria. This disease can attack all age groups, including men and women. Symptoms that are complained of include fever, chills, headaches, nausea or vomiting. Malaria mostly occurs in rural areas.

• Hepatitis

Is an endemic disease that occurs in several countries, caused by hepatitis virus infection. Hepatitis is divided into 5 types, namely hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Indonesia is the country with the second largest number of hepatitis B sufferers in Southeast Asia after Myanmar.

• Leprosy

Leprosy or also known as leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection. Leprosy attacks several parts of the body, including nerves and skin. Symptoms arising from leprosy include skin white or red spots such as tinea versicolor, and tingling to the numbness of the periphery nerves. In Indonesia, more men become lepers than women.

• Filariasis

Filariasis or known as elephantiasis is a contagious disease caused by filarial worm infection which is transmitted through mosquito bites as an intermediary for this disease, and spread in almost all regions in Indonesia. Filariasis can attack all groups regardless of age and gender. Filariasis can cause lifelong disability and discomfort due to swelling in various parts of the body. Lack of education about this condition at certain levels of society, causing sufferers are often ostracized by the surrounding environment.

Various actions taken by the government through the Ministry of Health to handle and control endemic diseases. For example, to prevent dengue fever, the Government conducted a socialization on 3M Plus Mosquito Nest (PSN) and Movement 1 Rumah 1 Jumantik. Then to prevent filariaris, the government conducts Filariasis Elimination Program, a program to administer filariasis mass preventive medicine in various endemic areas. Efforts to overcome endemic diseases in Indonesia are not only focused on the availability of drug services, but now more emphasis on promoting and preventive efforts, which are carried out through a variety of health center counseling programs and integrated service posts. It aims to educate and build awareness of various causes of endemic diseases. The support of all members of the community is certainly needed to prevent and overcome endemic diseases that occur.