Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has addressed and dismissed allegations that Indonesia is being used as a “guinea pig” in the research and development of a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. He emphasized the critical role that Indonesia plays in the fight against this infectious disease and warned of the dangers of spreading misinformation that might discourage vaccination and lead to potentially devastating consequences, including the loss of 100,000 lives. Minister Budi highlighted the success of COVID-19 vaccination efforts in combating the virus and called on the media to help combat false information that could hinder vaccination efforts.
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 who are closely monitored throughout the process. Minister Budi stressed the importance of adhering to established scientific protocols in vaccine development and underscored the historical significance of vaccines in saving lives. Despite the global impact of tuberculosis, with over one million deaths annually, approximately 125,000 of which occur in Indonesia, the country’s participation in vaccine trials also aims to strengthen local vaccine production capabilities and potentially position itself as a key vaccine manufacturing center.
In response to concerns about the vaccine’s suitability for Indonesians, Minister Budi emphasized the importance of local participation in the trials to ensure effectiveness. He also clarified any misinformation regarding the location of a vaccine factory and outlined the government’s strategy to integrate the TB vaccine into the national immunization program. Ultimately, Minister Budi stressed the severity of TB as a global health threat and the urgent need for effective vaccination programs to combat it and protect public health.
