Indonesia Supports Global Vaccine Development Through Contribution of US$1 Million to CEPI

Source: kemlu.go.id

In a bid to support CEPI’s efforts in developing vaccines for various infectious diseases with potential for pandemics, the Indonesian Government and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have announced Indonesia’s commitment worth US$1 million.

This commitment was made official through a virtual joint signing by Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cecep Herawan in Jakarta and CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett in London, witnessed by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

In her remarks, Retno pointed out that Indonesia’s partnership with the CEPI has long-term strategic objectives.

According to her, there are two important reasons regarding Indonesia and the CEPI partnership.

First, Indonesia will contribute to multilateral efforts to develop vaccines for infectious diseases. “Indonesia always pushes for fair access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all people. All countries have the rights to fair, affordable, and equitable access,” she said.

Second, partnership with the CEPI will strengthen health industries and boost national health resilience and its ability to respond to future pandemics.

“Through the CEPI mechanism, the country’s health industry will gain access to the latest information and knowledge related to vaccine R&D, so that it can support research capacity, technology platforms, and national vaccine production,” she said.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister revealed that this partnership also provides an opportunity for the Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry to become an important player in global vaccine networks.

In this regard, the CEPI has chosen state-owned pharmaceutical company Bio Farma to become one of CEPI’s COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer partners following positive results of due diligence conducted by CEPI on Bio Farma.

Meanwhile, Richard said that vaccines are one of the most important instruments in fighting diseases today and in the future, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic currently plaguing the world.

CEPI also welcomed Indonesia’s contribution to the development of this vaccine, he added.

“With Indonesia’s knowledge and experience in vaccine development and manufacturing, we can join hands to achieve our common goal of developing a vaccine that is safe, effective, and globally accessible, as well as preparing ourselves to respond to the threat of other pandemics in the future,” he said. (MOFA PR/UN) (MUR/EP)