In a significant diplomatic move, the Indonesian government has announced plans to donate 5,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine to several African nations. The initiative, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, was confirmed by Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin during a panel discussion at the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali.

The decision follows an agreement between Indonesia and the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC), Jean Kaseya. The vaccines, which will be purchased from Japan, are part of Indonesia's commitment to supporting global public health efforts, particularly in developing nations.

"We still have 1,600 doses bought from Denmark, so our vaccine stocks are sufficient. This plan is a good diplomatic move that will help our colleagues in Africa. If we ever need more doses, we will simply procure more," Minister Sadikin stated.

Currently, Indonesia is not equipped to formulate its own monkeypox vaccine, with only Japan and Denmark having the capability to produce it. Drawing on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sadikin emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially for developing countries that often find themselves at the end of the line in global distribution.

Indonesia has committed to procuring 10,000 doses of the vaccine, with half earmarked for African nations and the remainder reserved for domestic use. Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi is actively negotiating the procurement of these doses.

In addition to the vaccine donation, Indonesia will also provide Africa with 30 rapid molecular test kits and antiviral medicines for 200 people.

"It is true that we will give Africa five thousand vaccine doses, but what I would like to highlight is the fact that Indonesia now wields the capacity to employ its domestic resources for disease surveillance purposes," Sadikin added, underscoring the country's growing role in global health diplomacy.

This initiative marks another step in Indonesia's efforts to strengthen its presence on the global stage, using its resources and partnerships to contribute to the well-being of countries in need.