Health Ministry ramps up response as haze threatens respiratory health

The Health Ministry's Bureau of Communication and Public Information head, Aji Muhawarman, announced ongoing monitoring of acute respiratory infection trends as haze from forest and land fires spreads. In partnership with local governments, the ministry has intensified disease surveillance, prepared healthcare facilities, and expanded logistics, deploying over 2,106 medical personnel and distributing upwards of 2.8 million face masks from national and regional stockpiles.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the haze can trigger coughing, shortness of breath and worsen asthma, putting infants, toddlers, pregnant women, older adults and chronic lung patients at heightened risk. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical care for children showing breathing difficulties and to limit outdoor exposure, using well-fitted N95 or KN95 respirators when necessary. Authorities are also asked to ready safe shelters equipped with air purifiers and medical services for affected communities.