Environmental Microbiology Expert from Universitas Brawijaya, Prof. Dr. Drs. Suharjono, M.S., said that viruses will be the main cause of diseases in the future. In an interview conducted on Monday (4/28), he said that the ability of viruses to mutate and adapt quickly makes them more difficult to control than other pathogens such as bacteria.
“Viruses have the advantage of adapting and mutating very quickly, so the challenges are much more complex. Moreover, with increasingly intensive human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and wildlife trade, the opportunity for virus transmission from animals to humans has also increased,” said Prof. Suharjono.
He also added that climate change has expanded the habitat of disease vectors such as mosquitoes, and plants that can accelerate the spread of new viruses. Therefore, according to him, the main focus of the global health sector in the future is preparedness for the threat of viruses.
To anticipate future pandemics, Prof. Suharjono emphasized the importance of the role of modern technology.
“Advances in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) allow us to monitor disease spread patterns earlier. Genomic technology also helps detect virus mutations quickly, so that vaccines and drugs can be developed more efficiently,” said the FMIPA Lecturer.
Regarding prevention, Prof. Suharjono stated that vaccination will remain the main strategy.
“Vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce the severity of infections. Since long ago, vaccines have been proven to suppress cases of polio, measles, to hepatitis B,” he said.
However, he emphasized that success in dealing with the threat of viruses also depends heavily on community participation. Discipline in implementing health protocols such as washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining distance, and avoiding crowds is still very relevant.
“People who are aware of the importance of health and are well-educated will be more responsive to correct information and will not be easily influenced by hoaxes,” he added.
He also reminded the importance of a healthy lifestyle through consuming nutritious food, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. No less important, according to him, is collaboration between the community, government, and research institutions to create a strong defense system against the threat of disease.
In the scope of agriculture, Prof. Suharjono also mentioned that viruses are also a challenge in plant tissue culture.
“Viruses can inhibit plant growth. Therefore, in the tissue culture process, various techniques are developed to eliminate viruses so that plants can grow optimally,” he explained.
Prof. Suharjono hopes that through technological support, public education, and cross-sector cooperation, the world can be better prepared to face global health threats in the future. (RIB/UB PR/ Trans. Iir).
