TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 4th Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held from October 22 to 24, resulting in an important resolution for Indonesia. Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi said one of the resolutions was appointing Indonesia as a center of excellence in the sector of vaccine development and production.

"Indonesia has been accredited by WHO (World Health Organization) for the production of vaccines. We are capable of producing our own vaccines and aiding other OIC nations," Nafsiah said on Thursday.

The Minister said that Indonesia has managed to produce eight vaccines, among the highest number compared to the other 56 members of OIC. One of the vaccines is a pentavalent vaccine that is used as an antigen for five diseases.

Nafsiah added that India and China are the top manufacturers of vaccines. Therefore, Indonesia can collaborate with these two nations for the production of vaccines.

The OIC Ministers of Health Conference is a biennial event, with 41 OIC members and representatives from 22 international organizations. This year’s meeting resulted in six crucial resolutions being adopted as a reference for the development of health issues in Islamic countries from 2014 to 2023.

The six resolutions include Health System Strengthening; Disease Prevention and Control; Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition; Medicines, Vaccines and Medical Technologies; Emergency Health Responses and Interventions; and Information, Research, Education and Advocacy.

NURUL MAHMUDAH