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| Beware of Misinformation! West Kalimantan Governor Emphasizes Importance of Immunization to Prevent Disease and Stunting. |
Kubu Raya – June 12, 2025 West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan reaffirmed his strong commitment to boosting immunization efforts across the region during the official launch of the "Strategic Immunization Strengthening Initiative," held at Hotel Dangau, Kubu Raya.
In his speech, Governor Norsan didn’t just highlight the threat of viruses but also warned the public about another growing concern—misinformation about vaccines.
“It’s not just viruses we need to fight anymore—it’s also fake news and misleading info that confuse people. That’s one of the main reasons why diseases like polio and measles are making a comeback here,” Norsan told reporters.
He pointed out that a significant number of parents are falling for false information on social media, which causes many children to miss essential vaccinations.
One widespread rumor, he said, falsely claims that the polio vaccine can cause paralysis. But in reality, the polio vaccine protects children from paralysis caused by the virus.
“If we don’t step in and correct these lies, misinformation like this can slowly kill—not just logic, but our children’s future,” he warned.
Norsan also drew a powerful connection between immunization and the fight against stunting—a condition caused by chronic malnutrition that affects a child's physical and cognitive growth.
He emphasized that mothers need to pay attention to nutrition as early as pregnancy.
“A baby already needs proper nutrition while still in the womb. If they don’t get it, they could be born stunted. And if they miss their vaccines, they’re even more vulnerable to illness. These two issues go hand-in-hand,” he explained.
Beyond just public awareness, the Governor stressed the need for comprehensive education, not just for communities but also for healthcare workers and local government teams who work directly in the field.
He called for a collaborative effort to combat misinformation, urging local governments, community leaders, and media outlets to stand together on the front lines.
“If we don’t have a counter-narrative to fake news, efforts to fight infectious diseases will always fall short,” he stated.
“The more people understand the importance of immunization, the lower the chance of disease outbreaks. This is about securing our future,” Norsan concluded.
As part of the same event, the provincial government also presented the Immunization Ambassador Award to Dr. Erlina Ria Norsan, Chair of the West Kalimantan Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK), recognizing her commitment to promoting child and maternal health.
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