The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) opens a global vaccine network for the pharmacy industry in Indonesia, Health Ministry’s Secretary General Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha stated here on Tuesday.
“CEPI has chosen PT Bio Farma (Persero) to participate in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine after passing the test with positive results,” he noted.
CEPI is an international coalition that comprises governments, academicians, philanthropists, and private institutions, with the vision of creating a world free from the threat of epidemics and pandemics.
CEPI aims to expedite the development of vaccine and other biological response against the threat of epidemic and pandemic, so that it can be affordable to everyone in need.
Expediting vaccine development is also undertaken to produce vaccines in a quick and sustainable manner.
CEPI is one of the entities functioning to develop collaborative efforts between global health institutions, Nugraha stated.
To this end, CEPI has placed a strong network at the global level necessary to implement the pandemic response.
“To this end, we appreciate the continued support and strong commitment from CEPI to bolster access to safe and effective vaccine for everyone who need it across the world,” he remarked.
Bio Farma, as Indonesian government-owned pharmaceutical company, got the opportunity to play an important role within the global vaccine network under the CEPI mechanism, he noted.
In addition, Pharmacy and Health Device Director General at the Health Ministry Rizka Andalucia was selected to be a member of CEPI’s investor board for the 2022-2025 period.
According to Nugraha, Andalucia’s current membership shows that Indonesia is viewed in positive light in the international world.
This is also related to Indonesia’s strategic role in representing developed countries, or 85 percent of the world’s population, with large market potential, and has a strong commitment to develop vaccine research.
Moreover, Andalucia became a representative for countries in the southern region within the board to respond to future global pandemic problems.
“Collaboration with CEPI will open better access for Indonesia to obtain information on the development of vaccine, latest clinical trial, and training for clinical and laboratory trial,” he noted.
The ministry deemed the cooperation with CEPI as being important to achieve the target and goal of fair vaccine development.
Nugraha regards solidarity, multilateralism, and collective technological capability as important elements to break free from the health crisis due to excessive pressure to the state health system and lack of access to accurate medical actions.
“Do not only see the lives lost and bad health but also see that this is the moment to strengthen the health system,” he remarked.
Source: Antara News