Vaccine stocks are an obstacle to accelerating the Covid-19 vaccination in Indonesia. In the webinar organized by The PRAKARSA and C20 Indonesia dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi said that the vaccination program was still constrained by vaccine stocks entering Indonesia. "The available vaccines are not sufficient all at one time, so priority must still be made because the number is limited." he said
YAPPIKA – Action Aid as one of the CSOs that helps organize vaccinations for vulnerable groups is also experiencing limited vaccine stocks. YAPPIKA – Action Aid seeks to coordinate and lobby the central government. "For example, the availability of vaccines has been fixed, we want to cooperate but suddenly the vaccines are empty. So the lobbying process needs to be carried out and involves friends who have access to the central government, not only the Ministry of Health but also to the President.” said Fransisca Fitri, Director of YAPPIKA – Action Aid
In addition, the expiration date limit has also been experienced because it is a challenge in giving vaccines for range groups who have special needs. "We are also limited in time in Jember, the vaccine expiration date is very short, so the process must be fast. Whereas for groups with disabilities, the process requires pre-vaccination psychoeducation and data synchronization.” added Fransisca Fitri, Director of YAPPIKA – Action Aid
MCC Muhamadiyah also experienced a similar situation where activities had to be postponed or stopped due to the unavailability of the Covid-19 vaccine. "The first challenge is definitely the supply of stock availability, several points of vaccination activities that have been carefully prepared and invite many parties have to be delayed or some have postponed their implementation because there are no vaccine stocks." said Dr. Aldila Al Arfah, MCCC PP Muhammadiyah
dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi said that people do not need to worry about getting the vaccine. But the most important thing is to maintain an enthusiastic spirit so that there is no reluctance for the next vaccine. The public must also understand that Indonesia also has a large number of vaccination needs, so there is no need to be picky about the type of vaccine. ''The public must see that we are a country with a large number of vaccine needs, namely 426 million doses, while vaccine production is only 8 billion. Indonesia is very difficult to fulfill it when compared to neighboring countries with a smaller population and needs. So like it or not, anyone who can provide vaccines in a short time will be a consideration and priority for the government," added dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Government Spokesperson for Covid-19 Vaccination
This is confirmed by Lutfiyah Hanim from IGJ that Indonesia has its own challenges due to its large population. “Indonesia and India have different challenges because of their large population and the number of vaccines is not sufficient to meet the target. Whereas in general around the world the number of vaccinations is still very small.” he said
But another thing that was also highlighted was the unequal use of vaccines by developed countries. "In some developed countries, they have even carried out a third booster, this means that it will put pressure on the supply of vaccines internationally because it should be used in other countries but is used as a booster first so it becomes a challenge." added Lutfiyah Hanim, IGJ
He also mentioned that governments around the world must ensure access in developing and poor countries to the Covid-19 vaccine is guaranteed to prevent a greater economic impact even in developed countries. It is also related to justice and equity. “It is very important for developed countries and other countries that have a fairly good vaccination rate to ensure there is a fair vaccination for other countries which until now are still very few even though their population is small but the vaccination rate is low, especially in developing countries. There are even African countries where the vaccination rate has only reached 0,2 percent of the total population,” added Lutfiyah Hanim, IGJ
Several countries have opened themselves to receive Indonesia's return visit to their country. This success cannot be separated from the active role of all parties. However, attention is still needed to ensure access to vaccines for the whole world without exception.
Entering the preparations for the G20 presidency in 2022, C20 Indonesia has committed to continuing the C20 agenda in 2021. "C20 as one of the engagement groups in the G20, one of the strong commitments guaranteed by C20 Indonesia is to guarantee vaccinations for all citizens around the world and will become priority in the next presidency.” Close Ah Maftuchan, Executive Director of The PRAKARSA.
