Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, strongly refuted claims that Indonesia is being used as a testing ground for a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. He emphasized the vital role of the country in combating this deadly infectious disease, warning against the negative impact of spreading false information that could lead to as many as 100,000 deaths. Minister Budi praised the successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign and urged the media to help combat misinformation that may discourage people from getting vaccinated.
The TB vaccine currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in Indonesia is the result of extensive research conducted by local universities with more than 2,000 participants closely monitored throughout. Minister Budi stressed the importance of adhering to scientific protocols in vaccine development and highlighted the life-saving significance of vaccines. Tuberculosis remains a major global health issue, claiming over one million lives annually, with about 125,000 of those in Indonesia.
Participation in these vaccine trials aims not only to combat TB but also to establish local vaccine production capabilities, positioning Indonesia as a potential manufacturing hub. Minister Budi addressed concerns about the vaccine’s compatibility with Indonesians, emphasizing the necessity of local involvement in the trials. He also clarified 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 conclusion, the Minister underscored the urgency of effective vaccination programs in combating TB as a highly infectious disease.
