Pernyataan Pemerintah: Indonesia Tidak Jadi Kelinci Percobaan Vaksin TB

Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, firmly rejected the notion that Indonesia is being used as a testing ground for a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, highlighting the country’s crucial role in combating this infectious disease. The Minister emphasized that spreading such false claims could lead to significant harm, potentially costing the lives of 100,000 individuals. He pointed to the success of COVID-19 vaccination efforts as evidence of the importance of vaccination and urged media professionals to combat misinformation that could discourage vaccination. The TB vaccine currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in Indonesia is the result of extensive research conducted by local universities, involving more than 2,000 participants under strict supervision to ensure safety and efficacy. Minister Budi stressed the importance of adhering to scientific protocols in vaccine development and underscored the lifesaving impact of vaccines historically. Despite causing over one million deaths globally each year, with around 125,000 in Indonesia alone, tuberculosis continues to pose a significant health threat. By participating in these vaccine trials, Indonesia seeks to enhance its local vaccine production capabilities, potentially positioning itself as a key manufacturing center. Minister Budi addressed concerns about the vaccine’s suitability for the Indonesian population and emphasized the importance of local participation in the trials. He also clarified speculations about the location of a vaccine facility and outlined the government’s strategy to incorporate the TB vaccine into the national immunization program. In closing, the Minister stressed the severity of TB as an infectious disease and the critical need for effective vaccination initiatives.

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