ACT is an inclusive organization and has succeeded in overcoming world problems, and this has been formalizedJakarta (ANTARA) - The G20 Forum in the health sector formalized the Global Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT) Cooperation Agency to integrate collaboration between related parties to deal with future pandemics.
"During the pandemic, people were confused about research development, production, distribution of diagnostic tools, medicines, and vaccines because there were too many different agencies involved," Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated here, Thursday.
To this end, the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together all the agencies involved in the informal ACT forum, he remarked.
ACT comprises several global bodies, including, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CEPI, GAVI, Global Fund, WHO, and other related bodies.
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"ACT is an inclusive organization and has succeeded in overcoming world problems, and this has been formalized," Sadikin remarked.
The minister is optimistic that ACT would be able to strengthen global collaborations among governments, scientists, manufacturers, businesses, civil society, philanthropy, and global health organizations to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination.
Earlier, the diplomacy of ACT formation was discussed at the 3rd Health Working Group (HWG) on August 22-23, 2022, in Bali.
The meeting resulted in several agreements, including the support of international organizations, that was considered important in increasing research and manufacturing capacity during the pandemic.
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In connection with technology transfer, partnerships with the private sector are deemed necessary, and lower-middle-income countries should proactively contribute to the mission.
Another effort that needs international organization support is the global expansion of vaccine and therapeutic and diagnostic (VTD) manufacturing and research, Sadikin remarked.
He remarked that international organizations have established platforms and networks to allow better access to vaccines and therapeutics and diagnostics (VTD) for pandemics.
The meeting also agreed on the need for increased investment and coordination between the financial and health sectors to support VTD, he added.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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