Tunas Sawa Erma Makes Intensive Efforts to Push for Vaccine Equity in Papua

BOVEN DIGOEL – PT Tunas Sawa Erma, a business unit of Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group supported the government’s program on vaccine equity for the indigenous Papuans who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccines. TSE’s commitment in the acceleration of vaccine equity was carried out in a mobile manner by visiting homes of people living in the Asiki Village, Boven Digoel, Papua, on Monday (22/11).

The mobile COVID-19 vaccination was held for eight days, from November 22 to December 2, 2021, starting at 14.00 until 17.35 WIT (Eastern Indonesian Time). On the first day, at least 40 people participated in the program. The company targeted as many as 150 people will be given the vaccines.

Earlier, TSE’s representatives through the health workers from Asiki Clinic had provided counseling and socialization to residents who haven’t received the vaccines. They provided education that vaccine injection into the body is important in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.

One of the medical personnel from TSE clinic, Dr.  Riski Jumiati, who was responsible for the mobile vaccination activity, provided information to the community about the benefits of vaccines and the side effects that may occur. “The administration of the vaccines needs to be done to improve our immune system, especially to prevent the COVID-19 virus entering our body. There may be a few side effects that will occur, but as long as they are still reasonable, it is fine,” she explained.

The residents appreciated the vaccination activity and thanked TSE for providing information on the importance of COVID-19 vaccines for their bodies. They also appreciated the vaccination program from TSE which is held periodically and for its willingness to directly visit the community.

One of the residents in Asiki, Maria Salome, hoped to be able to keep receiving other healthcare services from TSE.

“We hope this contribution is not only limited to the provision of COVID-19 vaccines, but also provision of other healthcare services. Thank you to TSE and the doctors who have helped with the healthcare services as well as socialization, because we heard rumors if we receive COVID-19 vaccination, we could die. But PT TSE has provided explanation that the rumors are not true,” he said.

The General Manager of TSE, Martehn Pare said that the company would continue to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination program which has now become the government’s priority, “We will strive to give the best for the health of residents living in the company area and cooperate with related parties such as the National Armed Forces and National Police officers to help with the security as well and the success of the vaccination in order to reach more people,” said Martehn.

TSE Group’s intensive efforts to help the government’s priority program in pandemic handling has been carried out for a long time. Previously, TSE held a COVID-19 vaccination program for Boven Digoel community in June and early September 2021. The number of vaccines distributed at that time reached 900 doses out of the total 2.750 doses, which have been provided to several regions in Boven Digoel.

It is hoped that the COVID-19 vaccine equity can create herd immunity, so that people in Boven Digoel, Papua will be able to remain productive during the pandemic. (pr)