Microsoft founder and renowned philanthropist Bill Gates emphasized that Indonesia plays a strategic role in global efforts to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) and noted that the country has two locations selected as trial sites for the TB vaccine.
Gates, while visiting the Jakarta Independent Palace on Wednesday, pointed out that Indonesia, along with Africa and India, is participating in a clinical trial for a TB vaccine.
In a statement, he said: "Indonesia has two vaccine trial sites, which will help us evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine, ultimately benefiting the global community."
Gates explained that developing a tuberculosis vaccine is one of the key projects of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as this disease remains very prevalent in low-income countries yet has not received sufficient global attention and funding.
He attributed this lack of attention to the fact that developed countries no longer face a severe TB threat, while developing countries, including Indonesia, still have millions at high risk of infection and complications.
Gates stressed the need to support vaccine development and ensure equitable distribution. He stated that the partnership with Indonesia is part of promoting fair and inclusive healthcare services, especially for the hardest-hit countries.
In addition to vaccine testing, Gates mentioned that the cooperation with Indonesia will cover several health innovation programs, including improved diagnostic and treatment systems.
According to data from Indonesia's Ministry of Health, Indonesia currently has the second-highest number of TB cases globally, second only to India, with an estimated 1.06 million cases annually and 134,000 TB-related deaths.
Currently, Indonesia is conducting a phase three clinical trial of the M72/AS01E TB vaccine, partly funded by the Gates Foundation.
This trial is being conducted at a site in East Jakarta. By the end of 2024, the vaccine has already shown 50% efficacy in phase 2B trials.
The phase three trial is expected to provide more reliable data on the vaccine's safety and efficacy, supporting Indonesia’s goal of eliminating TB by 2030, and contributing to global public health.
Gates, while visiting the Jakarta Independent Palace on Wednesday, pointed out that Indonesia, along with Africa and India, is participating in a clinical trial for a TB vaccine.
In a statement, he said: "Indonesia has two vaccine trial sites, which will help us evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine, ultimately benefiting the global community."
Gates explained that developing a tuberculosis vaccine is one of the key projects of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as this disease remains very prevalent in low-income countries yet has not received sufficient global attention and funding.
He attributed this lack of attention to the fact that developed countries no longer face a severe TB threat, while developing countries, including Indonesia, still have millions at high risk of infection and complications.
Gates stressed the need to support vaccine development and ensure equitable distribution. He stated that the partnership with Indonesia is part of promoting fair and inclusive healthcare services, especially for the hardest-hit countries.
In addition to vaccine testing, Gates mentioned that the cooperation with Indonesia will cover several health innovation programs, including improved diagnostic and treatment systems.
According to data from Indonesia's Ministry of Health, Indonesia currently has the second-highest number of TB cases globally, second only to India, with an estimated 1.06 million cases annually and 134,000 TB-related deaths.
Currently, Indonesia is conducting a phase three clinical trial of the M72/AS01E TB vaccine, partly funded by the Gates Foundation.
This trial is being conducted at a site in East Jakarta. By the end of 2024, the vaccine has already shown 50% efficacy in phase 2B trials.
The phase three trial is expected to provide more reliable data on the vaccine's safety and efficacy, supporting Indonesia’s goal of eliminating TB by 2030, and contributing to global public health.