Zoonotic diseases continue to pose a public health challenge in Indonesia. These diseases, which can spread between animals and people through direct contact or contaminated food, water and the environment, threaten both health and livelihoods. As interactions between people and animals increase while climate-related events such as flooding and drought become more frequent, the risk of disease transmission also grows. Early identification of risks and coordinated action across sectors are therefore essential to prevent outbreaks and protect communities.
Recognising this need, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) held three Joint Risk Assessment workshops in July 2026. The workshops focused on rabies in Maros, South Sulawesi; anthrax in Bantul, Yogyakarta and leptospirosis in Jepara, Central Java. Participants from the human, animal, wildlife and environmental sectors joined local government representatives, clinicians, laboratory experts, academics, professional associations and community representatives to review evidence and develop recommendations.
The Joint Risk Assessment is part of Indonesia's One Health approach, which recognises the connection between human, animal and environmental health. The assessment supports risk-based planning and preparedness by identifying priority risks, strengthening multisectoral coordination and improving early detection, surveillance and response. Previous assessments have contributed to improvements in zoonosis prevention and control, such as strengthened leptospirosis surveillance and early detection in Demak, Central Java.
“The assessment brought together multiple sectors to strengthen collaboration and shared commitment through a systematic approach to assess risks, translate evidence-based findings into practical actions to protect communities,” said Hadi Sarwoko, Head of Jepara District Health Office, during the workshop in Semarang, Central Java.
Across the three workshops, over 90 participants identified priority actions to reduce zoonotic disease risks and agreed to implement the recommendations. These include stronger multisectoral coordination, integrated surveillance and response, strengthening health worker capacity through refresher training and targeted risk communication and community engagement.
For leptospirosis, participants suggested improving sanitation, strengthening waste management and enhancing rodent control, particularly in flood-prone areas and among farming communities. For rabies, priorities included increasing dog vaccination coverage, implementing integrated bite case management and strengthening community engagement, including among school students.
To reduce the risk of anthrax, participants recommended strengthening measures to keep livestock healthy and prevent disease from spreading between animals. They also recommended improved control of animal movement, better slaughterhouse sanitation and enhanced environmental monitoring. Community awareness was highlighted to discourage the slaughter and consumption of meat from sick or dead animals.
The assessment findings provide an evidence-based pathway for coordinated action and can be replicated in other priority districts to strengthen disease prevention and control efforts across the country. The Ministry of Health and stakeholders will provide technical support to local governments to translate the Joint Risk Assessment recommendations into action. These include optimising the zoonosis coordination committee, developing tailored risk communication messages for high-risk communities and strengthening integrated surveillance through a One Health approach.
By working together to reduce risks before outbreaks occur, communities can help keep families healthy, protect livelihoods and make neighbourhoods safer for everyone.
This activity is supported by the Pandemic Fund.
Written by Dr Endang Widuri Wulandari, National Professional Officer (International Health Regulations), WHO Indonesia