KPCPEN Introduces Two Paediatric Professors to Accelerate the Preparation of COVID-19 Vaccine

JAKARTA,Indonesia,Nov. 16,2020 -- The government through Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN) continues its various efforts in handling the pandemic as well as bringing economic relief in Indonesia. In its efforts to progress the COVID-19 vaccine,KPCPEN has introduced two paediatric professors,Prof. Dr. dr. Sri Rezeki HadinegoroandProf. Dr. Kusnandi Rusmil,dr.,Sp.A(K),M.M. to lead the research,development and testing of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Prof. Dr. dr. Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro,Chief of Indonesia Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI).

The government has identified the development of a vaccine to become a priority as it can potentially break the chain of infection and spread of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. Concurrent to collaborating with the professors,KPCPEN is also strategically collaborating with the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Immunization Task Force,as well as a sanctioned COVID-19 Vaccine-Testing Team. These actions show signs of determination by the government to fast-track the preparation of a COVID-19 vaccine.

During the development of the vaccine,there is a high emphasis on the safety and effectiveness. Both Prof. Sri Rezekiand Prof. Kusnandi Rusmil are the key people who are responsible in making sure that this is achieved - ensuring that the vaccine has minimal side effects while accomplishing its goal of giving effective immunity to the COVID-19 virus.

Prof. Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro: Relentless in Her Pursuit of Immunising Indonesia

Prof. Sri Rezeki has a unique history in her fight to immunize Indonesia. Born in Solo on the 3rd of May 1946,Prof. Sri Rezeki has established quite a career at Cipto Mangunkusomo Hospital in the field of paediatric infectious diseases.

During her distinguished career,she has come to realise that Indonesia is facing a significant challenge when it comes to children's health,most of which can be addressed through proper immunization. This belief is further consolidated when she co-founded her program "Karang Balita",which paved the way to become the well-known "Posyandu",a community-based activity for children health services in Indonesia.

For Prof. Sri,Immunization is an important indicator and standard for welfare and well-being of a country. The availability and accessibility of vaccines gives clear indication of the health of a particular country,both economically and socially.

"If we want to assess the standard of welfare of a nation,immunization is one of the key indicators as it gives an indication of its ability to handle infectious diseases. Furthermore,there are two fundamental factors that needs to be readily available to prevent the spread of infectious diseases: clean water and immunization. When these two elements can be readily available in any given country,then 70 percent of health problems that are related to infections can be overcome," she explained during her appearance on a talk show themed 'Berjuang Tanpa Lelah Menyiapkan Vaksin' that was held at the KPCPEN Media Center,Tuesday (10/11/2020).

As a result of her efforts in furthering immunization in Indonesia,Prof. Sri Rezeki had been chosen as the reigning Chief of Satgas Imunisasi IDAI,as well as The Chief of Indonesia Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI).

Prof. Kusnandi Rusmil: Professor and Key Figure for Vaccination Clinical Trials in Indonesia

In carrying out his duties as Ketua Tim Uji Klinis Vaksin COVID-19 (Head of Clinical Trials) Prof. Kusnandi has become a familiar public figure. The paediatric health professor at Padjadjaran University has often made public appearances in mass media to give the public updates and explanations on the COVID-19 clinical trials.

Throughout his career he has been involved in 26 vaccination clinical trials,which makes Prof. Kusnandi a significant contributor to the field of vaccination clinical trials in Indonesia. To attest to his abilities,the state-owned pharmaceutical holding company,PT Bio Farma often invites Prof. Kusnandi to be involved in various testing of vaccinations before distribution. As a result,nearly all of the vaccines Bio Farma produces has involved Prof. Kusnandi.

"Immunisation is something that must be fought for by the Indonesian government to prevent various infectious diseases that affect both children and adults. Furthermore,Indonesia Technical Advisory Group on Immunization(ITAGI) must also work hard to increase the scope of immunisation in Indonesia. This is because diseases that often turns into pandemics can usually be prevented by immunisations," Prof. Kusnandi mentioned during his dialogue with Prof. Sri Rezeki at the KPCPEN Media Center,Tuesday (10/11/2020).

About KPCPEN

Based on the consideration that the handling of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the national economy recovery must be aligned in one integrated and inseparable strategic policy,President Joko Widodo issued Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 82 of 2020 on the Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN) signed on July 20 2020.

The KPCPEN priorities respectively are INDONESIA SEHAT (Priority for people to be safe from COVID-19 and reforming health services),INDONESIA BEKERJA (Priority for empowerment and acceleration of employment),INDONESIA TUMBUH (Priority for national economy recovery and transformation).

Media Contact:

Communication Team of the Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN)

Lalu Hamdani 081284519595 / 081212865928

Email: media-kpcpen@covid19.go.id