The new vaccines will include pentavalent vaccine in 2012, the replacement of polio vaccine in 2014, pandemic flu vaccine in 2012 and rotavirus vaccine in 2016, PT Bio Farma president director Iskandar said here on Thursday.
In 2012 the GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization) will contribute financial aid to Indonesian government if it produces pentavalent, Iskandar told a media gathering at the Antara building here.
According to him, GAVI had pledged to donate 80 percent of the funds needed for the first year, and the government bears only 20 percent.
In the second year, GAVI will reduce its financial contribution, while for the third year the government is expected to cover 100 percent of the fund, he said.
In addition, Bio Farma until now have not been able to produce
several types of other important vaccines namely vaccines for dengue fever, malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, he said.
Apart from that, Bio Farma has initiated to conduct cooperation with universities in effort to carry out the research and development of future vaccines.
Iskandar also expressed optimism that as the sole producer of vaccines and antisera in Indonesia that have fulfilled the needs of the national immunization program, Bio Farma can become a player in the global vaccine market.
In the meantime, head of Bio Farma public relations officer, Nurlaela also expressed hope that all Indonesian people understand about the importance of early immunization for health.(*)
(B003/HAJM/B003)
Editor: Ruslan Burhani
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
