Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has emphasised the importance of the Smart Medication Usage Initiative (GeMa CerMat) in educating the public about proper medication consumption to prevent antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In a statement on August 8, Harbuwono explained that excessive antibiotic use, irregular medication intake, and non-medical drug consumption contribute to AMR. This can increase infection susceptibility and mortality rates.
Harbuwono warned that AMR could evolve into a "silent pandemic". Indonesia's AMR situation is alarming, with 34,000 of the 400,000 sepsis-related deaths attributed to antimicrobial resistance.
Citing data from the online Hospital Information System (SIRS), he revealed that 25% of the inpatient deaths in 2023 were due to sepsis, with East Java reporting the highest incidence.
To combat AMR, he stressed the need for infection prevention and judicious antimicrobial use. His administration has consistently promoted awareness, including among regulatory bodies./.
