close Indonesia’s – WHO, backed by Japan, has launched a one-year initiative to curb measles-rubella outbreaks and close immunization gaps in Indonesia, focusing on high-risk provinces including North Sumatra and Papua. The program targets low MR dose coverage—46.2% for dose 1 in
In Indonesia, the timeline for protecting children is getting shorter—and the gaps are showing up where health monitoring is hardest to reach.
On 5 June 2026. WHO. supported by the Government of Japan. launched a one-year initiative aimed at ending measles-rubella (MR) outbreaks and closing critical immunization gaps. The program is directed at provinces facing the greatest risk. including North Sumatra and the Greater Papua region—areas described as especially vulnerable because disease monitoring and response systems are the weakest.
The numbers that frame the urgency are stark. In 2024, immunization MR dose 1 coverage reached only 46.2% in Papua. In the same year. nearly 83. 000 children in North Sumatra and Papua missed their first MR dose. while 150. 000 did not receive the second dose. These missed opportunities left tens of thousands of children unprotected and helped fuel repeated outbreaks in remote areas.
The threat isn’t theoretical. In 2026 alone, more than 2,131 laboratory-confirmed cases had already been recorded by April. Risk mapping also points to a widening problem: 25 provinces and 252 districts are now classified as high risk.
The initiative—titled “No Child Left Behind: Ending deadly measles-rubella outbreaks and closing immunization gaps in Indonesia”—is designed to push the system toward coverage that doesn’t leave children behind. It will strengthen routine immunization. improve disease detection and response. and build local capacity in priority areas such as North Sumatra and Papua. The goal is to reduce immunity gaps and better protect vulnerable communities from outbreaks.
Dr N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia, tied the move directly to the moment on the ground. “This initiative comes at a critical time as Indonesia faces a resurgence of measles. With support from Japan. WHO is working with the Government of Indonesia to strengthen immunization systems. improve disease surveillance and protect the most remote communities. ” she said.
The project is also set up to reach beyond health offices alone. It will strengthen cross-sectoral coordination by engaging education and religious affairs offices. civil society organizations and community leaders. while enhancing the capacity of frontline health workers. The intention is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. focused on making improvements sustainable—both in immunization delivery and in how outbreaks are handled when they flare.
Japan’s support comes with the same emphasis on access and health security. “We are pleased to support this important initiative in partnership with WHO and the Government of Indonesia. Ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines is essential not only for safeguarding communities and strengthening health security. but also for preventing the international spread of infectious diseases. Japan will continue to work closely with its partners to support Indonesia’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage and build resilient health systems. ” said Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia. Mr. Myochin Mitsuru.
WHO and the Government of Japan say they share a long-standing partnership in Indonesia. In this new effort. they plan to continue improving routine immunization. enhancing disease surveillance. and strengthening coordination across sectors. alongside broader efforts to improve primary health care and address emerging health challenges.
For Indonesia, the central question is simple: can the health system close the immunization gaps fast enough to stop outbreaks from finding children who were missed in the first place? The initiative now begins with a clear focus on where those gaps are widest.
WHO Japan Indonesia measles-rubella immunization gaps MR dose 1 MR dose 2 Papua North Sumatra outbreak response high-risk provinces