Foreign Minister Retno: Without COVAX, More And More Countries Will Not Be Able To Achieve The WHO Vaccination Target

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi while giving a virtual press statement for the launch of the Gavi COVAX AMC 2022 Investment Opportunity.

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi praised and appreciated the success of COVAX in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the world, calling it a common interest rather than just charity.

Foreign Minister Retno said that so far COVAX has succeeded in distributing 1 billion COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. This achievement was not easy considering the various challenges facing COVAX and the world.

"However, the world should be grateful, in the end, COVAX was able to show that multilateralism can work and provide concrete benefits for people around the world," said Foreign Minister Retno at a virtual press conference for the launch of 'Gavi COVAX AMC 2022 Investment Opportunity', Wednesday evening, January 19.

Foreign Minister Retno further explained that COVAX's achievement is a tangible proof of the results of world cooperation and solidarity. For many countries, COVAX is the most reliable route to getting a vaccine.

"Without COVAX, more and more countries will not be able to achieve the vaccination target set by WHO. Therefore, the role of COVAX is very important," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that the emergence of the Omicron variant has reminded us that the pandemic is far from over. Global efforts to fight COVID-19 need to be stepped up.

"As the co-chair of COVAX AMC EG, I call on all countries and the donor community to support COVAX through this investment opportunity. This is not just a matter of charity, but a common interest to ensure COVAX can complete its mission," she explained.

She added that 2022 should be an election year, and vaccination is the first step towards achieving that goal.

"As Chair of the G20 in 2022, Indonesia will mobilize stronger global cooperation to accelerate recovery for all, including developing countries. Recover together, recover stronger," said Foreign Minister Retno underlined.

To note, the Gavi COVAX AMC 2022 Investment Opportunity was held to mobilize COVAX funding by encouraging investment from donor countries and institutions. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi was one of the speakers at the event along with other speakers, including WHO Director General Thedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chairman of the Board Gavi Jose Manuel Barroso, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, and CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett.

COVAX itself aims to ensure equal access to global vaccines by distributing vaccines to poor and developing countries for free.