The first session of the OIC Ministers of Health was held in Malaysia in 2007. It was agreed then that the conference would be held every two years: in Tehran, Iran in 2009; Astana, Kazakhstan in 2011; and Jakarta in 2013.
The agenda of the OIC-SHPA 2013 will be conducted with a view to a 10 year period of time (2013-2022), with priority on at least six thematic areas: Health System Strengthening; Disease Prevention and Control; Maternal, New-born and Child Health and Nutrition; Medicines, Vaccines and Medical Technologies; Emergency Health Responses and Interventions; Information, Research, Education and Advocacy.
Related to the vaccine discussion, Indonesia, as an OIC country, is encouraging members of the OIC to realize self-reliant pharmaceutical products production, especially the areas of high quality and affordable vaccines.
Bio Farma Indonesia is a vaccine manufacturer that has fulfilled the pre-qualification standard of the WHO (World Health Organization). Hence, Indonesia is ready to assist members of OIC countries in the supply of material/intermediate products (bulk), and expanding expertise in the downstream/fill and finishing processes.
According to Iskandar, President Director of Bio Farma, "Self Reliant Vaccine Production is one of the visions of the OIC, with Indonesia as the hub of vaccine technology. The new Pentavalent (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hepatitis B & Haemophilus Influenza type B) vaccine which is manufactured by Bio Farma is an actual result. This vaccine was launched in August 2013 by the Minister of Health to be used in the National Immunization Program."
Iskandar added, "Bio Farma as the vaccine manufacturer in Indonesia owns experience in the global forum, such as being the Organizer of TCTP - Third Country Training Program, Executive Committee and President of DCVMN - Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturer Network, GAVI Alternate Board, and others. Certainly Indonesia has the competence and expertise to be appointed as a leader and a Center of Excellence towards Biological Products for the Islamic countries."
About PT Bio Farma (Persero)
Since its establishment in 1890, PT Bio Farma (Persero) has been active in supplying high quality vaccines and serum for people. Currently, Bio Farma is among the largest vaccines manufacturers and suppliers in the world. The need for EPI vaccines in Indonesia has been supplied solely by Bio Farma.
Bio Farma has existed for a century and proven its strength and experience world wide. The company has also grown and developed to become a vaccine and serum manufacturer of international reputation. This can be seen from its qualifications and ability to acquire WHO prequalification for all of its EPI Vaccine products. For more information, please visit www.biofarma.co.id.
Contact:
N. Nurlaela
Head of Corporate Communications
Bio Farma
Phone: +62 22 203 3755
Fax: +62 22 204 1306
E-mail: pr@biofarma.co.id
Editor: PR Wire
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
