With a population of 270 million, we need to provide at least 540 million vaccinations, thereby necessitating a high production capacityJakarta (ANTARA) - The Red and White Vaccine team has sought the involvement of more private pharmaceutical companies to produce the COVID-19 vaccine, its chief, Bambang Brodjonegoro, stated.
Brodjonegoro has reported updates on development of the vaccine to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Bogor Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.
Large quantities of the vaccine will be required to cover Indonesia’s huge population.
"With a population of 270 million, we need to provide at least 540 million vaccinations, thereby necessitating a high production capacity," he stated.
Brodjonegoro also called on state-owned pharmaceutical firm Bio Farma to expand its business.
"We call on Bio Farma for a business expansion and other companies to support it," he remarked.
In addition to Bio Farma, with a plan to produce 250 million vaccine doses annually from next year, the team has invited private firms to manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine.
Brodjonegoro highlighted the keenness of three companies to join the consortium.
"However, they undoubtedly have to secure the license from BPOM (the National Agency of Drug and Food Control) on a good vaccine production process. They have to prepare the line of production of the vaccine," he noted.
The involvement of private companies is expected to accelerate the process to make Indonesia self-sufficient in vaccine development and supply.
"We have to take note of the initial research and the possibility of administering the vaccine more than once for each individual," he added.
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Translator: Hanni Sofia, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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