Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has strongly refuted claims that Indonesia is being treated as a test subject in the development of a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. He emphasized Indonesia’s pivotal role in the fight against this deadly disease and warned against the dangerous consequences of spreading such misinformation, which could potentially lead to the loss of 100,000 lives. Minister Budi pointed out the success of COVID-19 vaccination efforts and urged the media to actively combat false information that may discourage people from getting vaccinated.
The TB vaccine currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in Indonesia is the product of extensive research conducted by local universities, with more than 2,000 participants closely monitored throughout the process. Minister Budi stressed the importance of adhering to scientific procedures in vaccine development and highlighted the life-saving impact vaccines have had historically. Despite causing over one million deaths worldwide each year, tuberculosis remains a pressing global health issue, with approximately 125,000 fatalities occurring in Indonesia alone.
Participating in the vaccine trials also serves Indonesia’s goal of establishing local vaccine manufacturing capabilities, potentially positioning the country as a significant production center. Minister Budi addressed concerns regarding the vaccine’s suitability for the Indonesian population, emphasizing the vital role of local participation in the trials. Additionally, he dispelled rumors about the location of a vaccine factory and outlined the government’s strategy to integrate the TB vaccine into the national immunization program. In closing, the Minister underscored the urgent need for effective vaccination programs in combating the infectious disease that is tuberculosis.
