COVAX has successfully distributed one billion COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. This achievement is not easy, considering the various challenges faced by COVAX and the worldJakarta (ANTARA) - The world needs a new impetus to deal with COVID-19, according to Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.
“COVAX has successfully distributed one billion COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. This achievement is not easy, considering the various challenges faced by COVAX and the world," Marsudi stated at a press conference on the launch of the Gavi COVAX AMC 2022 Investment Opportunity that was monitored from Jakarta, Wednesday.
The minister affirmed that COVAX's achievements were a real testament to the results of global cooperation and solidarity.
COVAX is a reliable route to get a vaccine, the foreign minister noted.
The emergence of the Omicron variant also highlighted the fact that the pandemic was far from over, and new impetus was required to step up efforts to fight the pandemic.
Related news: Indonesia receives 3.5 million AstraZeneca vaccines under COVAX scheme
The Gavi COVAX AMC 2022 Investment Opportunity was organized to mobilize COVAX funding by encouraging investment from donor countries and institutions.
“As co-chair of COVAX AMC EG, I call on all countries and the donor community to support COVAX through this investment opportunity. This is not just a matter of charity, but a common interest to ensure COVAX can complete its mission," the foreign minister stated.
Marsudi noted that 2022 should be a defining year and that vaccination is the first step towards achieving the predetermined goals.
“As chairman of the G20 in 2022, Indonesia will mobilize stronger global cooperation to accelerate recovery for all, including developing countries. Recover together, recover stronger," Marsudi affirmed.
The 193rd batch of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine comprising as many as 1,847,000 doses through the COVAX donation arrived in Indonesia on the night of December 11.
Related news: Indonesia receives 2,288,520 doses of Pfizer vaccines from COVAX
"This arrival also marks the success of Indonesia's multilateral diplomacy in handling the pandemic, including the availability of vaccines," Director General of Information and Public Communication of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics Usman Kansong earlier noted.
Kansong highlighted that Indonesia had become one of the countries in the ASEAN to have pioneered the active handling of COVID-19 pandemic at the regional level.
Indonesia encourages various initiatives and strengthens health resilience mechanisms in the ASEAN, he stressed.
Related news: Indonesia receives 1.2 million COVID-19 vaccines under COVAX
Through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX), Indonesia is also actively promoting equal access to vaccines for all countries in the world.
"Indonesia plays an active role in equalizing access to vaccines for countries in the world," Kansong stated.
By pushing for equal and fair handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia continues to ensure its domestic handling of COVID-19 also runs well despite it currently facing new challenges with the emergence of the Omicron variant.
Related news: Indonesia receives 1.4 million vaccines from the Netherlands, Japan
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Translator: Aria Cindyara, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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