Indonesian Health Minister: ‘We Consult with WHO for Covid-19 Vaccine Purchase’

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia has been coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) for the purchase of a Covid-19 vaccine, a top health official said on Thursday.

“We seek advice from the WHO for buying the most rational [Covid-19] vaccine,” said Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto in a statement on November 19.

“We also coordinate with various institutions such as members of the parliament and regional government.” 

Also read: Indonesia to Follow Global Standards for Safe Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution

To support the smooth running of the vaccination, the Ministry of Health has distributed the required logistics, including safety boxes and alcohol swabs, he said.

Besides, the ministry has also done outreach activities to all provinces by conducting training sessions, a cold chain for vaccination, and other supporting equipment.

The preparation for the 2020-2022 vaccination involves other stakeholders such as the Port Health Authority, the Indonesian military, and the National Police to ensure the security and safety of the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination.

The ministry held a simulation for the Covid-19 vaccination at the Tanah Sereal Health Center in Bogor, West Java on Wednesday, November 18, the statement said.

Also read: Indonesian Govt to Prioritize Covid-19 Vaccine Purchase and Social Protection in 2021

The simulation targeted 60 to 70 participants aged 18-59 without comorbidities. They must be in good health, have no fever, cough, or sore throat. Expectant mothers and women who breastfeed were not allowed to participate.

Terawan said the simulation was done openly so that the public would clearly understand the process such as how the vaccine was injected. The simulation also aimed at providing the local governments a better understanding of how to carry out vaccination appropriately.

“Vaccination is in the global spotlight now. What we do [is monitored]. Therefore, we prepare for it and continue to practice so when the vaccine is available we know what to do with it,” the minister added.

Also read: World Bank Approves $12B for Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution in Developing Countries

Previously, President Joko Widodo has said that the safety and security of the people must be prioritized during the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination. Therefore, the government is carrying out stages of scientific activity, which is mandatory to be followed.

“These scientific principles must be followed. We put a high priority on the safety and security of the people,” Jokowi said recently.

The head of state also said that all vaccines that will later be used in the Covid-19 vaccination program must be registered and approved by the WHO.

Jokowi estimated that the vaccination will begin at the end of this year or early 2021 as the government needs time to distribute the vaccines across the country once they are ready.

(Writer: Dian Erika Nugraheny | Editor: Krisiandi)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/11/19/08341821/menkes-kita-konsultasi-dengan-who-soal-vaksin-covid-19-yang-rasional-dibeli.