South-East Asia Regional Conference on Epidemiology

Conclusions
Fig.: Weekly Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Cases and Deaths
Indonesia
<strong>South</strong>-<strong>East</strong> <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> on Epidemiology | 275
Indonesia currently allocates limited resources to the general surveillance and response to influenza
work due to other public health priorities. The disease burden is known through small surveys and
limited surveillance that suggests circulation of the virus throughout the year. Due to the global
emergency associated with AI H5N1 and the need for pandemic influenza preparedness, additional
resources enabled the development of pandemic preparedness plans, enhanced capacity in diagnostics,
case management and outbreak response. These activities aided in the response to H1N1.
Based on past experiences and the indication that all the ingredients for the creation of new influenza
viruses with pandemic potential are present, there is no doubt that there will be an influenza pandemic
in the near future; it is just a matter of time when and where the pandemic will occur. The only answer
is to remain prepared.
Future activities for influenza need to emphasize better characterization of the disease epidemiology
and vaccine strategy, and to monitor the AI H5N1 situation that may still trigger a new influenza
pandemic.
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