Countering the Spread of Hoaxes, Unud Organizes Seminar on Wolbachia Method Implementation Initiative

In an effort to control dengue in Bali, Udayana University (UNUD) held a Seminar on Wolbachia Method Implementation Initiative at the 4th Floor Meeting Room, FISIP Building, Udayana University. (Thursday, November 30, 2023)

 

The seminar began with remarks from the Chairperson of the Udayana University Task Force for the study of Wolbachia mosquito innovation in Bali, Prof. dr. Pande Putu Januraga, M.Kes, Dr.PH and was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Udayana University Prof. Dr. Ir. I Gede Rai Maya Temaja, M.P., IPU. 

 

The seminar was attended by representatives of faculties at UNUD, universities in Bali and representatives of government and NGOs. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Sri Budayanti, Sp. MK (K). from the Faculty of Medicine UNUD, this seminar presented five speakers, namely : 

1. Dr. Sang Gede Purnama, SKM, M.Sc & nbsp; (Department of KMKP FK UNUD)

2. Dr. dr. Putu Ayu Asri Damayanti, S.Ked., M.Kes (Department of Parasitology FK UNUD)

3. Prof. Cameron Simmons (World Mosquito Program)

4. dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, MPH, Ph.D (Center for Tropical Medicine)

5. Prof. Dr. drh. Gusti Ngurah Kade Mahardika (FKH UNUD)

 

The speakers said that the Wolbachia method is a complementary method in the effort to tackle dengue hemorrhagic fever. Wolbachia is a natural bacteria commonly found in various types of insects including butterflies, dragonflies, moths, and bees. The Wolbachia method is safe for humans, the environment, other insects, does not cause mosquitoes to become more virulent, and does not change the physical and behavioral characteristics of mosquitoes.

 

In Yogyakarta, the Wolbachia method has been implemented in Sleman and Bantul districts. The implementation of Wolbachia in Yogyakarta has proven effective in inhibiting dengue virus transmission and reducing 77% of dengue cases in Yogyakarta and 86% of hospitalized dengue cases. Dr. Riris Andono said that during the 12 years of Wolbachia method implementation in Yogyakarta, the critical success points were intensive cross-sectoral coordination, strong implementation team, intensive dissemination and community involvement, and logistic quality control. 

 

The Desa Adat Council of Bali Province (Made Suarnata) hopes that in addition to academic and technical communication, there is a need for cultural communication through each traditional village. In the press conference after the seminar, the speakers emphasized that UNUD is expected to play an important role in various studies on the implementation of Wolbachia method as one of the innovations in dengue control in Bali.