TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Nila Moeloek said Indonesia is committed to eradicate polio and is ready to support all efforts related to it. Minister Nila is currently in Geneva, Swiss, to attend the 68th World Health Assembly.

Nila said that Indonesia has been free from polio since 2006 and vow to continue maintain its success.

She also said that the Indonesian government have agreed to replace Oral Trivalent OPV polio vaccine with bivalen OPV. “Because this is the key to successfully eradicate polio,” said Nila.

Indonesia realize the possibility of implementation challenges in each country. “Therefore, Indonesia advised WHO to lead this transition process by adjusting the time and condition of each country,” Nila said.

Nila also said that she is widely open to any suggestions, but will still conduct studies in the implementation of any recommendations which may conflict to the global national polio eradication program.

Aside polio, Nila also expressed her deepest concern towards the Nepalese people and victims’ family over the devastating earthquake in Nepal that occured a while back. In the 68th World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director General Margaret Chan along with health ministers from 193 countries that are a member of the WHO.

MITRA TARIGAN