FK-KMK UGM. The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a delegation from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to review the INSPIRASI Program (Improving Quality of Disease Preparedness, Surveillance, and Response in Indonesia). The delegation, comprising Ken Chen, MPH, MS, MBA., Deputy Director of the Division of Global Health Protection Indonesia, and Mia Ulfa, Public Health Administration Specialist from CDC Indonesia, was received by FK-KMK UGM Dean, Prof. dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, M.Sc, Ph.D, FRSPH., at the Dean’s Conference Room on Tuesday (14/1).
Launched in 2020, the INSPIRASI Program aims to enhance Indonesia’s capacity to prevent and respond to public health threats through strengthened surveillance systems, reporting mechanisms, and Public Health Emergency Operation Centers (PHEOC) at sub-national levels.
During the dialogue, Ken Chen highlighted that this visit was part of the collaboration agreement, requiring annual field reviews to ensure the program’s success.
“We aim to ensure that the resources we allocate truly support the sustainability of public health in Indonesia, as diseases know no geographical boundaries,” he stated.
The meeting discussed numerous program achievements, including the publication of two scientific articles and ten more currently under review by the CDC. These articles cover research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and the impacts of Long COVID.
The program has also yielded various initiatives, such as developing mental resilience modules for healthcare workers during disasters with RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, cognitive impairment and Long COVID studies with RSUP Dr. Sardjito, and measuring Long COVID status in eastern Indonesia in collaboration with PAEI Central Sulawesi and Halu Oleo University.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a critical catalyst in designing more comprehensive health threat mitigation measures. Prof. Yodi emphasized the importance of this collaboration in strengthening Indonesia’s health system.
“We deeply appreciate the technical support provided by the CDC. Engaging local partners to implement this program ensures its long-term sustainability,” he said.
Ken Chen reiterated CDC’s commitment to supporting its partners, including the Indonesian Ministry of Health and WHO, in enhancing surveillance and health emergency response capacities.
“We believe that investing in local partners is key to achieving sustainability. This collaboration model ensures that local communities have the capacity to address their own health challenges,” he explained.
This visit also marked the final evaluation of the program, scheduled to conclude in 2025. During discussions, Ken Chen highlighted that the program’s success lies not only in its achievements but also in the ability of its partners to continue these efforts independently.
“As part of closing the collaboration, we provide guidelines on documentation and the utilization of resources provided. This is crucial to ensure the outputs of this partnership are maximally utilized,” he added.
The INSPIRASI Program has made a tangible impact in improving Indonesia’s preparedness for health threats. By strengthening the capacity of provincial and district health office staff and developing the PHEOC system, the program aligns with national health priorities.
Moreover, CDC’s support during disaster response efforts, such as the 2004 Aceh tsunami, exemplifies how international collaboration can enhance public health capacity in emergency situations.
Prof. Yodi expressed hope for the continuation of this collaboration. “We see significant potential to expand the positive impacts of this program. With support from all stakeholders, we are confident that Indonesia’s health system will become more resilient in facing future health threats,” he remarked.
In closing, Ken Chen expressed his appreciation to the FK-KMK UGM team for their hard work and dedication. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining communication to ensure the program’s sustainability.
“We want to ensure that this success is not just a temporary achievement but becomes a foundation for future collaborative efforts,” he concluded.
The CDC delegation’s visit underscores the importance of synergy between international organizations and local institutions in addressing global health challenges. With comprehensive evaluation and strategic planning, the INSPIRASI Program is expected to serve as a sustainable model of collaboration, not only for Indonesia but also as inspiration for other countries in strengthening public health systems.
This meeting reflects FK-KMK UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter).
