Strengthening Global Pandemic Response: A Call for IHR Amendment
Indonesia is advocating for a revision of the International Health Regulations (IHR) to bolster global readiness and response to future pandemics. This commitment was expressed by Ravindra Airlangga, deputy chairperson of the House Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, during his presence at the Regional Conference for Parliaments of the Asia-Pacific Region on Global Health Security in Bangkok.
“Indonesia supports the 2024 amendment proposal for the IHR,” Airlangga declared. “Furthermore, Indonesia has finalized its Health Law and its associated regulations, which align with the standards outlined in the existing IHR framework.”
He emphasized that the goal of revising the IHR is to establish a robust, coordinated defense against future pandemics, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Airlangga highlighted the need for strong collaborations between nations in the region.
A Regional Defense Network
Airlangga stressed the importance of establishing a “defense system” for the health sector within the Asia-Pacific region to combat future pandemics. He emphasized that implementing the revised IHR is crucial for achieving this goal. “The IHR isn’t just a document, it’s a blueprint for coordinating our response, for sharing information, and for ensuring that we’re all equipped to handle future outbreaks.
Countries in the Asia-Pacific should work together to create a unified strategy. This means sharing resources, expertise, and information transparently and efficiently,” he added.
Pandemic Preparedness Fund: A Vital Asset
Airlangga further underlined the critical need for a pandemic preparedness fund specifically designated for the Asia-Pacific region. Such a fund could support initiatives such as: strengthening laboratories, enhancing surveillance systems, and stockpiling essential medical supplies.
“The establishment of a pandemic preparedness fund for our region should be seriously considered,” he emphasized. “This dedicated funding mechanism would give us the resources we need to prepare for potential health emergencies and respond more effectively when they occur.”
Leveraging mRNA Technology
Recognizing the advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, Airlangga advocated for increased collaboration among Asian-Pacific nations in this field.
“We should share information and data related to the genetic sequencing of any spreading pathogen based on the mRNA platform,” he suggested. “By analyzing this data, countries in the region can map antigen components and develop vaccines more rapidly.”
He envisioned that such open knowledge sharing could significantly accelerate the development of targeted vaccines against emerging threats. “This type of collaboration would not only expedite vaccine development but also help us predict the evolution and spread of viruses over time, providing us with a strategic advantage,”Airlangga explained.
Self-Sufficiency in Vaccine Production
Airlangga strongly encouraged countries within the Asia-Pacific region to pursue independent production capabilities for mRNA vaccines. This move towards self-reliance, he argued, would ensure greater access to vaccines during future pandemics, reducing reliance on external supply chains.
“By developing our own mRNA vaccine production capacity, we can ensure that our populations have timely access to life-saving vaccines during a crisis,” Airlangga stated, emphasizing the importance of regional self-sufficiency in health security.
Besides a dedicated fund, what other steps can be taken to improve regional collaboration and coordination on pandemic preparedness in the Asia-Pacific region?
## Strengthening Pandemic Response: An Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re discussing the vital topic of global pandemic preparedness, and joining us is Ravindra Airlangga, deputy chairperson of the House Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation in Indonesia. Mr. Airlangga, thanks for being here.
**Airlangga:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Indonesia has been a strong advocate for revising the International Health Regulations (IHR). Can you tell us why this is such a critical issue for your country and the Asia Pacific region?
**Airlangga:** Absolutely. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how vulnerable the world is to emerging infectious diseases. The IHR, while important, needs to be strengthened to better equip us for future pandemics. Indonesia supports the 2024 amendment proposals because we believe a revised IHR will create a more robust, coordinated defense against future outbreaks.[[[[
**Host:** You mentioned a ”defense system” for the region. Can you elaborate on what that means?
**Airlangga:** The Asia-Pacific is a diverse region, and we need to work together. This means creating a unified strategy, sharing resources, expertise, and information quickly and transparently. A revised IHR acts as a blueprint for this coordinated response. Think of it as a framework for a regional “health defense system” so we can collectively better track, contain, and ultimately prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
**Host:** A key aspect of preparedness is funding. Indonesia has also been calling for a regional pandemic preparedness fund. Why is this so crucial?
**Airlangga:** A dedicated pandemic preparedness fund for the Asia-Pacific region is essential. It would provide vital funding for strengthening laboratories, enhancing surveillance systems, and training healthcare workers—all critical elements for a rapid and effective response to any future pandemic.
**Host** : Mr. Airlangga, thank you for shedding light on this important issue and Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening global pandemic preparedness.
**Airlangga:** Thank you for having me.
