Yogyakarta Strengthens Resilience against Zoonoses Through a Zoonoses Awareness Programme in Schools and Universities
Yogyakarta, 1 July 2024 - Following the successful launch and implementation of a zoonoses curriculum in schools in West Java, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Yogyakarta Balai Besar Guru Penggerak (BBGP), and Gadjah Mada University, has expanded its zoonoses awareness programme to elementary and secondary schools and university students in Yogyakarta with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This multisectoral collaboration aims to enhance public awareness of zoonoses at primary and higher education levels within the Special Region of Yogyakarta, making the region more informed and resilient in facing future zoonotic threats.
Given the high number of zoonotic disease cases, particularly rabies, which cause death in 40% of early childhood instances, the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services has launched an initiative to raise zoonoses awareness from an early age. The goal is for this awareness to persist into adulthood, fostering ongoing vigilance against zoonotic diseases. This continuous awareness will also increase their readiness for other potential zoonotic threats. Considering the current pace of globalization, which facilitates the easy spread of zoonotic diseases across borders and the emergence of new infectious diseases, this initiative is particularly crucial.
During the Grand Harvest and Rice and Corn Planting activities in Gunung Kidul Regency (01/07), the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services at the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, represented by the Director of Feed, Nur Saptahidayat, formally submitted a cooperation document on zoonosis awareness activities. This cooperation is between the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Balai Besar Pelatihan Peternakan (BBGP) DIY, and was presented through the Secretary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Nasrullah, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services MoA, expressed his support for this collaboration efforts on zoonoses prevention, “The introduction of zoonoses education into school and university curriculum represents a significant step forward to enhance public health. It is crucial that all members of society, including children, are knowledgeable about the threats of zoonotic diseases.”
On the same occasion, Director of Veterinary Public Health MoA, Syamsul Ma'arif said "Education is crucial for preventing zoonotic transmission. By imparting knowledge, we empower individuals to act as change agents within their communities. The zoonosis awareness programme offers insights into maintaining animal health, preventing transmission, and protecting against zoonotic diseases. We hope for this programme to be successful and supported by all relevant sectors. Additionally, we hope Yogyakarta can serve as a model for other regions in safeguarding the public from zoonotic diseases.”
Secretary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Beny Suharsono, highlighted the importance of this initiative, particularly in addressing zoonosis cases such as anthrax. "We need targeted
interventions like this for the community, farmers, students, and all levels of society, so that zoonosis cases can be prevented in the Yogyakarta region," he stated. He further expressed enthusiasm for this partnership and appreciated all stakeholders for realising this programme.
The programme in Yogyakarta adopts a new and innovative approach, incorporating zoonoses awareness activities at the elementary schools in Sleman and Gunung Kidul regencies by integrating zoonoses education into the “Merdeka Belajar” curriculum. Previously, teachers from BBGP Yogyakarta were educated on zoonoses knowledge to provide effective and comprehensive zoonoses awareness teaching in schools.
Additionally, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Gadjah Mada University has committed itself to implementing this partnership within the university. The commitment includes organizing enrichment activities and adding materials to the “Merdeka Belajar” curriculum, Merdeka Campus, and community service, as well as increasing student participation through the Student Activity Unit (UKM) and thematic Student Community Service (KKN). These efforts, focused in Sleman and Gunung Kidul Regencies, particularly aim at anthrax prevention to improve knowledge and practices for controlling zoonotic diseases.
"I would like to specially thank the Yogyakarta government, BBGP, and UGM for our partnership in realising this important milestone. We also continue to be grateful to the MoA for its stellar leadership, without which this zoonoses awareness intervention would be impossible. So that truly, we leave no one behind in our development efforts to safeguard human, animal, and environmental health”, said Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.