Pernyataan Pemerintah: Indonesia Bukan Kelinci Percobaan Vaksin TB

Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has dismissed claims that Indonesia is being used as a “guinea pig” in the development of a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, emphasizing the country’s crucial role in combating the deadly infectious disease. He refuted the narrative, stating that it is intended to discourage vaccination and could have disastrous consequences, potentially resulting in the loss of 100,000 lives. Minister Budi highlighted the success of COVID-19 vaccination in combating the disease and urged media professionals to combat misinformation that might deter people from getting vaccinated. The TB vaccine currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in Indonesia is the result of extensive research by local universities, with over 2,000 participants involved under strict supervision. Minister Budi stressed the importance of following scientific protocols in vaccine development and pointed out the historical significance of vaccines in saving lives. Tuberculosis remains a significant global health concern, causing over one million deaths annually, with around 125,000 occurring in Indonesia. By participating in the vaccine trials, Indonesia also aims to establish local vaccine production capabilities, potentially becoming a key manufacturing hub. Minister Budi addressed concerns about the vaccine’s compatibility with Indonesians, highlighting the importance of local involvement in the trials. He also dispelled rumors regarding the location of a vaccine factory and outlined the government’s plan to incorporate the TB vaccine into the national immunization program. The Minister concluded by emphasizing the severity of TB as an infectious disease and the necessity of effective vaccination programs.

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