Anticipating AI Threats in Indonesia, SKHB IPB University Forms Kaderku Community

In order to enhance preparedness and response to the threat of Avian Influenza (AI), the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of IPB University and cross-sector partners held a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Strengthening One Health and Establishing Kaderku (Community-Based Poultry Health Cadres)” in Bogor (5/8).

This activity involved various stakeholders from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The FGD was opened with remarks from the Dean of SKHB IPB University, drh Amrozi, PhD.

The establishment of Kaderku serves as the spearhead for implementing the one health principle in poultry markets and poultry slaughterhouses (RPHU). Kaderku will carry out health education, early detection, case reporting, and the application of biosecurity in markets and RPHU. The selected cadres come from local communities such as traders, extension workers, and environmental health cadres.

“The formation of Kaderku requires a strong coordinative and collaborative approach. Cadres will be trained and supported to become a link between the government and the community in efforts to prevent and control AI,” said one of the FGD facilitators, drh Rama PS Fauzi, MSi.

The Director of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, drh Imron Suandy, MVPH emphasized the urgency of cross-sector collaboration considering that AI clade 2.3.4.4b has been detected in Indonesia since 2022 and continues to spread until 2024.

The Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Collaboration and Alumni Relations, Prof Iskandar Zulkarnaen Siregar also stressed the importance of synergy between surveillance, financing, and community involvement for the success of this project. He hopes this activity will produce implementable solutions for the community.

Prof drh Srihadi Agungpriyono, PhD, PAVet(K) as the Project Investigator (PI) also outlined several important points in a whole-of-society approach for health system resilience and pandemic preparedness in Indonesia.

In addition to discussing the structure and duties of Kaderku, participants also agreed on the need for an effective communication system such as WhatsApp groups, community-based reporting, ongoing training, and evaluation through pre-tests and post-tests for each community education activity.

This FGD is a concrete step to strengthen the resilience of public and animal health systems through active community involvement in poultry markets. This program is planned to run for two years with support from IPB University and related agencies. (IAAS/KMR)