According to Bonanza Perwira Taihitu, Expert Staff for Politics and Health Globalization at the ministry, while there are funding mechanisms for peaceful times, a global financing mode is lacking, which is why the Pandemic Fund was created.
"Peace time mode of funding, yes we have it, but a worldwide mode of financing is something that we are lacking, so that is the reason why we created that Pandemic Fund," Taihitu said here on Thursday.
He made the statement during his presentation at the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) 2025 held in Denpasar, Bali on Thursday (Oct 30).
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for substantial funding to combat the crisis, prompting Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin to propose the Pandemic Fund, a multilateral financing mechanism to enhance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacity.
This fund is essential for large-scale vaccine production to address pandemics.
Therefore, Taihitu expressed appreciation to DCVMN for its efforts in securing investment in COVID-19 vaccine research and production.
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He also emphasized the importance of the Pandemic Agreement in providing legal clarity on the use of the fund.
"That Pandemic Agreement is important in providing legal clarity on how to do, what, and when. So, from Indonesia's perspective, the agreement is crucial," he said.
Dr. Madeleine Heyward, Vice Chair of the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, stated that the Pandemic Fund has been established and is operational.
Although the Pandemic Agreement is still theoretical until it takes effect, she encouraged stakeholders to move forward with its implementation.
"We have an agreement, the vast majority of which has been fully agreed upon without any hesitation. And I think it's incumbent upon us to start acting on the part that has been agreed upon while the parts that still require negotiation are finished," she said.
With the theme "Advancing Innovation and Building a Resilient Vaccine Ecosystem for a Safer World," the 26th AGM DCVMN 2025 is held to celebrate the progress made by the network's members in strengthening global health security.
Related news: Strengthening Global Collaboration to Build a Resilient and Sustainable Vaccine Ecosystem
Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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