Indonesia’s deputy minister of health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, visited China last week as part of the third health-focused ‘High-Level Dialogue’ between the two nations. The visit encompassed a bilateral meeting with Harbuwono’s counterpart in the National Health Commission (NHC) of China and the witnessing of a significant cooperation agreement signing between PT Biotis Indonesia and Minhai Biotechnology, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co.
Strengthening Bilateral Healthcare Cooperation
China and Indonesia signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in 2022, aimed at fostering bilateral exchanges in healthcare, vaccines, and genomics. The recent deal between Minhai Bio and PT Biotis is a testament to the ongoing collaboration, with Minhai Bio set to supply Indonesia with a dual-carrier 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV). This vaccine is crucial for Indonesia’s plans to initiate a nationwide inoculation campaign, potentially requiring over 11 million annual doses.
Implications for Public Health in Indonesia
The agreement between Minhai Biotechnology and PT Biotis highlights the growing partnership between China and Indonesia in the healthcare sector. The supply of the 13-valent PCV to Indonesia will play a significant role in enhancing the country’s public health initiatives, particularly in the prevention of pneumococcal diseases. This collaboration not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also contributes to the health and well-being of millions of Indonesians.-Fineline Info & Tech
