CDC Supports Post-Earthquake Health Assessments in East Nusa Tenggara

Jakarta: The United States, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is augmenting local-disaster relief efforts after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on August 15. 

As longtime partners, CDC and Indonesia's Ministry of Health (MOH) worked together to deploy seven Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) teams to the most affected areas in Nagekeo, Ende, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Sikka, West Manggarai, Ngada on August 23, building on an existing agreement between the two countries. 

This swift mobilization of expert teams exemplifies the excellence, quality, and timeliness of American support in delivering immediate, life-saving assistance to those in greatest need.

Comprised of FETP fellows and field mentors from local health departments, these teams are assessing the health needs of displaced and affected populations, strengthening disease surveillance systems in evacuation sites and surrounding communities, identifying early warning signs of potential disease outbreaks, and providing evidence-based recommendations to help prioritize emergency response efforts.  

This coordinated response reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and Indonesia in strengthening public health systems and emergency preparedness. 

Since 1982, CDC has partnered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Health to establish and sustain the country’s FETP, supporting the development of a skilled epidemiological workforce equipped to collect critical public health data and translate it into actionable insights.  This more-than-four-decade collaboration underscores the depth of the U.S.-Indonesia relationship in the field of global health security. 

“This rapid response shows how CDC’s longstanding partnership with Indonesia helps the MOH-managed FETP program act quickly and effectively,” said Dr. Rebecca Merrill, CDC Country Director for Indonesia, quoted from US Embassy statement, Tuesday, September 22, 2026. 

“By providing real-time data, these teams help guide the response and prevent possible disease outbreaks after this disaster,” added Dr. Merrill.

FETP plays a key role in Indonesia’s public health system.  CDC’s continued support reflects the United States’ broader commitment to global health security, working alongside the Government of Indonesia to build lasting local capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent public health emergencies.