Advancing TB Control in Indonesia

Engaging Stakeholders, Evaluating Diagnostics

Currently, I am leading stakeholder engagement and policy development for the EVIDENT project (Evaluation and Demonstration of New Tuberculosis Diagnostics for Indonesia) Project funded by The Gates Foundation at RC3ID. This project focuses on evaluating and demonstrating new tuberculosis diagnostics in Indonesia, with the ultimate goal of improving TB control efforts.

In this role, I have spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy. This involves collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, National TB Program, healthcare providers, researchers, and community representatives. By fostering strong partnerships and facilitating effective communication, I am ensuring that the project’s findings are translated into impactful policies and practices.

I am also leading the development of policy papers and recommendations related to the adoption and implementation of new TB diagnostics. This involves analyzing research findings, conducting economic evaluations, and engaging in policy dialogues to inform decision-making processes.

This experience has allowed me to apply my expertise in stakeholder engagement and evidence-informed policymaking to a critical public health challenge in Indonesia. I am committed to ensuring that the EVIDENT project contributes to strengthening TB control efforts and improving health outcomes for the Indonesian population.

Strengthening Health Systems

Streamlining the Priority Setting Deliberations

At Management Sciences for Health, I transitioned from research to direct engagement with Indonesia’s health system. I provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Health, focusing on health technology assessment (HTA) and health system strengthening. This involved developing national guidelines, conducting workshops, and supporting evidence-informed decision-making.

One of my proudest achievements was strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian HTA Committee (InaHTAC) in evidence-informed decision-making. This involved tailor-made workshops and hands-on exercises, including the application of collaborative Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). This work was recognized with the Best Oral Presentation award at the 10th HTAsiaLink Annual Conference in 2022.

I also played a key role in institutionalizing the HTA process within the Indonesian health system. This involved developing and implementing national guidelines, technical manuals, and tools for HTA topic selection and appraisal. This contribution helped ensure that health technology decisions in Indonesia are based on sound evidence and aligned with national priorities.

Furthermore, I promoted the use of Evidence-informed Deliberative Processes (EDP) to facilitate efficient and inclusive consensus-building among diverse stakeholders. A notable success was streamlining the HTA appraisal deliberation process, which dramatically reduced meeting times from three full days to just three hours, while still ensuring robust and inclusive discussions. This achievement was recognized with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 14th International Society for Priorities in Health Conference in 2024.

My time at Management Sciences for Health was marked by significant achievements in strengthening health systems and promoting evidence-based decision-making. These experiences solidified my passion for health policy and my commitment to improving health outcomes in Indonesia.

Cultivating Community Health thorugh Social Enterprise

Integrating Food Security and Environmental Sustainability

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnection of health, environment, and food security. At GrowCycle, I put this realization into action. I led the development and implementation of an innovative program that integrated health promotion with household waste management and urban farming. This involved empowering communities to transform their organic waste into compost, which they then used to grow their own food. The initiative not only promoted healthier eating habits but also fostered environmental sustainability and community resilience. Our efforts were recognized with several funding and awards, acknowledging the impact and innovative nature of our work.

This period at GrowCycle was invaluable. I learned about community building, participatory planning, and the intricacies of fostering collective action. I gained skills in business planning, social marketing, and developing sustainable business models. Furthermore, I deepened my understanding of systems thinking, recognizing the complex interplay between social, ecological, and economic factors in community health. These experiences broadened my perspective and equipped me with a more holistic approach to public health.

While my current focus has shifted towards health policy and system strengthening, I remain deeply passionate about this integrated approach to community health. I continue to practice and study these concepts, with the vision of expanding them into a larger-scale initiative that promotes holistic well-being and sustainable development.

Getting to Know Public Health

From Data Analyst to Government Advisor

My public health journey began at the Center for Infectious Disease, where I honed my skills as a data analyst, immersing myself in epidemiological studies and surveillance systems for HIV and TB. I was involved in the innovative HIV and AIDS implementation science, which provided crucial epidemiological data for evidence-based program planning. This experience sparked my passion for using data to drive impactful health interventions.

I further developed my analytical abilities through my work on the Asian Epidemic Model (AEM). This involved complex data modeling to predict the spread of infectious diseases and assess the potential impact of various intervention strategies. This experience broadened my understanding of the dynamics of disease transmission and the importance of proactive public health planning.

My time at the Center solidified my commitment to using data and evidence to inform health policies and programs. It became a home base for me, a place I continually returned to throughout my career, drawn back by my love for research and the collaborative spirit of the Center. Even now, I maintain a strong connection with the Center, collaborating on projects and contributing to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge in public health.