Diseases that can spread between animals and people, or zoonoses, are responsible for many emerging health threats. Responding quickly and effectively requires health, animal and wildlife authorities to share information and work together. This is in line with the One Health approach, which recognizes the close connections between human, animal and environmental health and promotes collaboration across sectors.
To strengthen this coordination in Indonesia, the World Health Organization (WHO) supported a series of workshops in September 2026. Participants from the health, animal and wildlife sectors practised how to detect potential threats, share information and coordinate action.
The workshops focused on improving the use of Indonesia's Information System for Zoonosis and Emerging Infectious Diseases (SIZE), a platform that supports information sharing across sectors. Participants reviewed workflows, clarified roles and responsibilities, and practised how disease signals move from detection to decision-making and response.
“SIZE allows sectors to share zoonosis information faster, identify threats earlier and work together more effectively,” said Dr Sumarjaya, Director of Surveillance and Health Quarantine at the Ministry of Health. “This effort brings the One Health approach into practical action.”
Dr Nurhayati Solchan from the Directorate of Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the importance of turning information from disease surveillance into action. “The real value of surveillance lies in how quickly information can be shared, assessed and translated into action,” she said.
Representatives from the health, animal and wildlife sectors map how disease signals and information flow into SIZE, helping turn surveillance information into coordinated action. Credit: WHO / Resty Armis
Participants also agreed on several next steps, including expanding the use of the SIZE platform at subnational level, which will strengthen multi-sector investigations by human, animal, and environmental health authorities. In addition, they plan to strengthen risk assessments and improve how disease signals are documented and acted upon.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential for detecting threats early and responding before they grow. By strengthening how sectors share information and act together, Indonesia is building its preparedness for future health emergencies and helping protect communities across the country.
These activities are supported by the Pandemic Fund.
Written by Dr Endang Widuri Wulandari, National Professional Officer (International Health Regulations); Resty Armis, National Professional Officer (Avian Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases); Joshua Harmani, National Professional Officer (VPD Surveillance) and Moch Thoriq Assegaf Al Ayubi, Surveillance Data Assistant, WHO Indonesia