Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia is advancing its efforts to realise national vaccine independence through a collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir stated during a meeting with CEPI representatives on February 13 that collaboration between Indonesia and CEPI is very important in supporting the progress of the vaccine industry and local manufacturing capacity, as well as the development of a pandemic response ecosystem in the country.
Arrmanatha expressed his appreciation for CEPI's support for Indonesia and hoped the organisation would foster partnerships with Indonesian vaccine producers.
He stated that advancing this partnership would ensure that Indonesia achieves its goal of becoming a centre for vaccine research, production, and distribution in the region.
He also expressed hope that CEPI can support the development of a tuberculosis vaccine in Indonesia, as eradicating the disease is a priority of the Indonesian government and aligns with the organisation's programme.
Meanwhile, CEPI Board Chair Professor Jane Halton and CEPI CEO Dr. Richard Hatchett expressed their appreciation for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' role in initiating the collaboration.
Indonesia has been one of CEPI's strategic partners since 2020, Professor Halton remarked.
CEPI also highlighted the importance of supporting the increase of Indonesia's vaccine production capacity by strengthening cooperation with state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma.
CEPI was established in Davos, Switzerland, in 2017, focusing on developing health products to prepare for future health risks./.
