One of the world's most renowned businessmen, Bill Gates, visited Jakarta. The Microsoft founder discussed the launch of clinical trials for a tuberculosis vaccine with the Indonesian government and introduced a package of additional support programs.
During a meeting at the presidential palace, attended by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and President Prabowo Subianto, it was agreed that Indonesia would become one of the centers for testing the M72/AS01E vaccine – a development by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to the head of state, the clinical trials are being conducted in the country not only due to the high incidence rate (over 800,000 tuberculosis cases in 2023 compared to less than 600,000 before the pandemic) but also thanks to modern infrastructure and readiness to implement large-scale medical programs.
During his visit, Bill Gates announced a grant allocation of 159 million US dollars, distributed as follows:
- 119 million dollars for health projects,
- 5 million dollars for agricultural development,
- 5 million dollars for technology support,
- 28 million dollars for social programs.
President Subianto noted that tuberculosis causes around 100,000 deaths annually in Indonesia, making vaccine trials a priority in combating the disease.
The vaccine, which has been in development since the early 2000s, has already entered the phase three clinical trials. Ina Agustina Isturini, Director of Infectious Diseases at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, emphasized that the new drug could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with tuberculosis.
In addition to supporting clinical trials, the Indonesian government is actively implementing an early tuberculosis detection program called Free Health Check (CGG). Under this initiative, free medical examinations are conducted across the country for various population groups, including newborns, children, adults, and the elderly. The program includes:
- birthday checkups (from February 10, 2025, already covering over 4.5 million people);
- health checks in schools (starting July 2025 for children aged 7-17);
- screenings for pregnant women and children under five.
Separately, a "Free Meals" program was discussed, aimed at supporting school children, pregnant women from low-income families, and children under five with significant growth delays. The national budget for the project is 120 trillion rupiahs per year.
Additionally, Bill Gates promised to provide expectant mothers with dietary supplements to combat anemia, a problem widely spread among women waiting for a child in Indonesia. He stated that tested supplements, containing trace elements, folic acids, and amino acids, can address necessary deficiencies and improve overall health.
At the end of his visit, Gates announced his intention to donate almost his entire personal fortune, estimated at 200 billion dollars, to charitable causes over the next 20 years. He emphasized that this initiative is meant to change the perception of his legacy and leave a significant impact on improving people's quality of life.
Sources: kompas.id, CNN Indonesia
You can add one right now!