The Yogyakarta Provincial Government has announced cooperation with the Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership (AIHSP) to give women a central role in policy recommendations on the transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The provincial government conducted a survey of 1,278 people in mid-February 2022 and the results illustrated that women have made an important contribution to behavioral change during the pandemic, especially in information dissemination and health protocols.

AIHSP Team Leader in Indonesia, John Leigh, explained that the development of policy initiatives follows the release by the World Health Organization of a Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan to end the global COVID-19 emergency in 2022.

“The whole world is preparing for the transition from pandemic to endemic,” Mr Leigh said.

“Vaccination, surveillance, strengthening diagnosis, treatment and risk communication are crucial things that must be managed together to ensure a safe transition to endemic status.”

“In general, vaccination in Indonesia is quite good, but some targets have yet to be achieved; namely among the elderly, people with disabilities, and certain other marginalized groups.”

Head of the Department of Behavioral Health, Environmental Health and Medical Social Sciences at Gadjah Mada University, Professor Dra. R.A. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, MSc PhD, said the messaging related to vaccinations and health protocols could not be widely disseminated without the contribution of women in Yogyakarta.

“Women in Yogyakarta already have groups that can make communal agreements. It can be extended to other communities. The unity and cohesiveness in this group make it easier for women to play a role in disseminating health messages, encouraging joint recovery, being healthy together, and moving forward together,” she said.

The results of the survey on the transition from pandemic to endemic were discussed with representatives of women's groups and various organisations for people with disabilities.

Some of the survey recommendations that can be considered in policymaking are the creation and dissemination of effective and comprehensive education materials for parents of children with disabilities, assistance during self-isolation, and proper understanding of vaccinations.

The Head of Public Health at the Yogyakarta Provincial Health Office, Endang Pamungkasiwi, SKM, M.Kes, explained that women will be empowered to be the catalysts for behavioral change, especially at the family and community levels.

“Women are great members of society because they have the ability in balancing knowledge and skills, religious values, and physical and psychological health,” Endang said.