"A strong regulatory system is a strategic element in strengthening trust and accelerating vaccine development and production, particularly among Global South countries," BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said in Jakarta on Thursday.
Speaking at a panel session titled "Building Resilient Vaccine Ecosystems," he said collaboration and innovation must continue to be strengthened to support more resilient health systems in the future.
According to him, stronger collaboration and innovation would help Global South countries improve public health resilience and quality of life.
"In this evolving landscape, collaboration is no longer an option but a necessity," he said.
The 79th WHA, held from May 18-23, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on strengthening global health systems, including expanding access to health products, enhancing local manufacturing capacity, and improving regulatory systems.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on May 19 that Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and the United Kingdom had been designated as WHO-Listed Authorities (WLA).
Tedros said the designation was aimed at accelerating prequalification and procurement processes.
According to Ikrar, the designation reflects international recognition of Indonesia's regulatory capacity in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of health products in line with global standards.
He said Indonesia, together with the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network and global partners, also organized a side event during the WHA titled "Advancing Local Production for Equitable Access, Resilient Health Systems, and Global Health Security."
He said the event served as a strategic forum for global health leaders, regulators, international organizations, vaccine manufacturers, and development partners to strengthen local and regional production capacity.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Anton Santoso
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