Jakarta Govenor Pramono Anung stated that the Jakarta Provincial Government, through Health Agency, is currently focusing on addresing the high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in Jakarta. One of the initiatives is by launching the "White Troops", a new health service program.

"The White Troops is fully dedicated to supporting health services in Jakarta, treating all diseases, including TB and others," said Pramono at Tanah Tinggi Public Housing, Johar Baru, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (5/14).

He mentioned that efforts to tackle TB had been discussed in meetings with Health Agency in recent weeks.

"Indeed, TB is present and we are actively addressing it," he asserted.

Jakarta Health Agency head, Ani Ruspitawati, noted that TB cases in Jakarta are significantly high. Her side has been striving to control TB through community-based approaches. Currently, 274 RWs have been designated as TB alert areas.

The White Troops will cooperate with TB cadres to identify new cases and educate people who have been in contact with TB patients to encourage them to undergo examinations.

"Besides, the White Troops will assist TB patients to consistently take their medication over the six-month period," she added.

She emphasized the Jakarta Government's commitment to controlling TB in the city.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated that TB is one of the leading causes of death. In Indonesia, over 100,000 epople die from TB each year.

"Over the past 100 years, TB has claimed the lives of one billion people. Currently, TB causes one million deaths globally in a year. This is huge, bigger than Covid," he mentioned.  

He highlighted the importance of health screening to identify TB patients and ensure them to complete their treatment.

"Once a TB patient is identified, it's crucial to ensure they take their medications for the full six month," he stated.