Indonesia's Health Ministry is on the edge of its seat as it anticipates the outcomes of a pivotal pilot program in Ujungberung Village, which could determine the expansion of the Wolbachia Program to combat dengue fever in West Java.

Imran Pambudi, the Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases at the Ministry, revealed that the fate of extending the Wolbachia mosquito program hinges on the success witnessed in Ujungberung Village. The initiative, designed to curtail the transmission of dengue fever, is presently under scrutiny in five cities, including Bontang, Kupang, Semarang, West Jakarta, and Bandung.

"In Bandung, we are currently conducting trials in one village. Our decision to scale up the program will heavily rely on the results from Ujungberung Village," stated Pambudi during a briefing at Gedung Sate, Bandung.

However, the readiness for Wolbachia egg production remains a sticking point, with only three locations designated for production, out of which only two are deemed operational.

"Salatiga and Yogyakarta are ready, while preparations are underway in Bali," Pambudi explained.

The urgency to combat dengue fever in West Java is palpable. The Ministry is channeling substantial logistical support to address the alarming rise in dengue cases. This support includes equipping the province with NS1 tools for virus detection, larvicides, and insecticides.

Pambudi elaborated, "We have mobilized significant resources for West Java due to the heightened risk posed by its dense population."

As per data from the provincial government, West Java has already reported 11,729 cases of dengue fever, resulting in 105 fatalities, as of March 25, 2024. Subang, Bandung City, West Bandung District, and Bogor City emerge as the hotspots for dengue infections.

To stem the spread of the disease, the provincial government is rallying behind Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN) campaigns and the 3M Plus movement. The latter includes strategies like draining water reservoirs, recycling used items prone to water collection, and introducing mosquito-repellent plants.

With the fate of the Wolbachia Program hanging in the balance, West Java remains at the forefront of the battle against dengue fever, with both government initiatives and community efforts aimed at curbing the menace.