On 19 November 2024, held a workshop on the use of malaria vaccination as a preventive option for adults. The event was held on Friday, 29 November 2024, at the Akmani Hotel, Central Jakarta.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Health through the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen malaria control strategies in Indonesia. This initiative also responds to the World Health Organization recommendations issued since 2021 regarding the use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, particularly in areas with high transmission rates.

As outlined in the invitation, malaria vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce both malaria cases and severe malaria. The Government of Indonesia has also demonstrated its commitment to developing and utilising malaria vaccines as part of its prevention strategy, particularly in light of the high proportion of cases among the productive-age population.

The workshop brought together a wide range of cross-sector stakeholders, including representatives from the Directorate of Immunisation, the Directorate of Maternal and Child Health, and the Directorate of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. In addition, participants included the Malaria Expert Committee, the National Immunisation Committee, academics, and international partners such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Dr Iqbal Elyazar contributed to the scientific discussions on the implementation of malaria vaccination in Indonesia. The involvement of diverse stakeholders highlights the importance of a collaborative approach in shaping evidence-based policies.

Through this workshop, it is expected that a shared understanding will be established regarding the potential use of malaria vaccines as part of a comprehensive strategy to accelerate malaria elimination in Indonesia.