President Prabowo Subianto Affirms Commitment to Support Gavi, Global Health

President Prabowo Subianto receives Chair of the Board of Gavi (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) José Manuel Barroso, and CEO of Gavi Dr. Shania Nishtar at the Merdeka Palace, Friday (12/06). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Prabowo Subianto received Chair of the Board of Gavi (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) José Manuel Barroso and CEO of Gavi Dr. Shania Nishtar at the Merdeka Palace, Friday (12/06). On that occasion, the President delivered his appreciation for Gavi’s generous contribution to support Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Gavi thus far has been assisting Indonesia. During the COVID pandemic, Gavi donated 110.3 million doses of free vaccines worth US$684.6 million, as well as provided cold chain equipment and other financial support of US$1 billion,” President Prabowo said in his press statement.

He went on to say that Gavi also highlighted the importance of preparedness to face future pandemic threats in the wake of Mpox outbreak in Africa.

“Gavi also warned us to remain vigilant since the pandemic can hit us anytime. Currently, Africa is battling with Mpox outbreak. Thus, we must remain vigilant,” he said.

During the statement, the Head of State announced that Indonesia will join the alliance and donate US$30 million as a token of appreciation in favor of Gavi’s support to Indonesia.

“We, as a country that has managed to recover, are willing to contribute to support Gavi in its next tasks. We are ready to donate US$30 million,” he added.

In the meantime, Chair of the Gavi Board José Manuel Barroso expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s warm welcome. Barroso also lauded Indonesia’s contribution to global health.

“We admire the role of Indonesia in the region; how it can be as such a platform for global health including on immunization and manufacturing of vaccines that is also exported by Indonesia,” he said.

He also appreciated President Prabowo for his initiatives in terms of hunger and poverty alleviation programs, for his action for social justice and for his commitment to the children.

Gavi will continue to cooperate with the Indonesian Government in strengthening global health system and expanding immunization coverage, he added.

“We want to remain very engaged with the Government and the people of Indonesia that we respect so much. I am sure this is going to be a great signal for the future of Gavi and for the relationship between us and your great country,” he remarked.

Created in 2000, Gavi is an international organization – a global Vaccine Alliance, bringing together public and private sectors with the shared goal of saving lives and protecting people’s health by increasing equitable and sustainable use of vaccines. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (RAS/MUR)