Jakarta, April 13, 2023 - The Ministry of Health has taken delivery of the oral antiviral drug nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (PAXLOVID™), funded by the Australian Government and the United States Government. This drug will be used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
The donation was symbolically handed over by WHO Representative to Indonesia, Dr. N. Paranietharan, to the Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, today, April 13, 2023, at the Ministry of Health. The handover was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Australian Embassy, and US Embassy.
To date, COVID-19 remains a global public health threat. Experts predict the virus will become permanently pathogenic in humans and animals in the future. WHO's latest guidance on COVID-19 treatment recommends the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for COVID-19 patients as a preventive measure to prevent the disease from worsening. Through the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator initiative, WHO and global partners are ensuring fair and equitable access to these life-saving drugs, which were previously only accessible to high-income countries due to price and limited availability. Dr. N Paranietharan emphasized that this drug is important to prevent the disease from getting worse, especially for high-risk patients such as the elderly and people with comorbidities. Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin appreciated the paxlovid donation given to the Indonesian government to support COVID-19 treatment. Cooperation with partners will continue to be carried out to ensure access to COVID-19 treatment throughout Indonesia.
"We must have drugs available in the country. So when someone is affected by an illness, they can (immediately) come to the nearest health facility and get access to the treatment they need," said Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi G. Sadikin.
More than 24,000 PAXLOVID™ treatment courses have arrived in Indonesia and will be distributed to priority areas. This USD 2.1 million allocation was made possible by the Australian and US Governments' contributions to Indonesia's COVID-19 response.
"Australia and Indonesia have a history of helping each other through difficult times, and we have a shared commitment to fighting COVID-19. This latest shipment of antiviral drugs, which will soon be distributed to hospitals and health facilities in Indonesia, is an additional valuable tool to fight COVID-19 and further protect our communities," said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM.
"This partnership affirms our ongoing commitment to support Indonesia in its fight against COVID-19 and to strengthen the country's health system to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats. Global cooperation and solidarity is the right path to defeat the virus and begin a sustainable global recovery," said U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y. Kim.
Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices of the Ministry of Health L. Rizka Andalusia said Paxlovid has obtained a distribution permit from the POM and it has been proven from clinical trials that Paxlovid is effective for mild symptoms but those with high risk become severe.
"So this medicine is for people who have mild symptoms and have the potential to become severe," said Director General Rizka.
Paxlovid will be distributed to 34 provinces. In the initial stage, drug distribution will be prioritized to areas in dire need.
Director General Rizka added that Paxlovid is not given to children, but only adults with mild symptoms that have the potential to become severe symptoms.
"The technical administration of paxlovid is one treatment course for 5 days. This drug is a combination of two drugs or two antivirals taken together, taken once a day for 5 days. So the treatment is for 5 days," he said. By providing equal access to treatments like PAXLOVID, promoting vaccinations, and strengthening healthcare systems, we can build a healthier and more resilient future. Joint efforts against COVID-19 and future health challenges are essential to uphold the principle of health for all.