Mari Elka: Build RI-ASEAN vaccine resilience through three aspects

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Special Envoy of the President for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation Mari Elka Pangestu has stated there are three areas in which Indonesia can cooperate with Southeast Asia to strengthen the vaccine ecosystem in the region: demand, regulation, and research. Mari said in Jakarta on Wednesday that this cooperation is necessary for pandemic preparedness, so there is no panic if such an event occurs again. She said the first matter is to consider the demand for vaccines in the region, given that ASEAN’s population reaches around 650 million people. “So in terms of the demand that can be created for vaccine manufacturing, that is important. The vaccine manufacturing chain could be located in each respective country, but what is important is how we build a strong regional supply chain system that can be accessed regionally,” she said. She then also highlighted the importance of cooperation between regulators so that medicines or vaccines already produced in each country can be quickly distributed throughout ASEAN. “So this requires what is called a mutual recognition agreement between ASEAN countries,” she said. According to her, cooperation is also needed to build joint capacity, not only production capacity but also research and human resources, namely healthcare workers. “So what is important later is what we will discuss: how ASEAN implements what has already become an agreement or commitment. And what can be done starting now so that we are ready,” she said. The government held the High-Level Forum “Building Regional and Global Health Resilience in ASEAN: Vaccine Manufacturing and Pandemic Preparedness and Response (PPR).” The forum discussed strengthening regional cooperation in building regional health resilience, including vaccine manufacturing development, strengthening pandemic preparedness and response, regulatory collaboration, health supply chain resilience, and sustainable financing to support future health security. The event brought together policymakers, regulators, industry players, academics, regional and international organisations, and development partners from ASEAN countries.