26th DCVMN AGM Successfully Held: Bio Farma and DCVMN Strengthen Global Collaboration to Build a Resilient and Inclusive Vaccine Ecosystem

Bandung, November 3, 2025 — PT Bio Farma (Persero), the parent company of the state-owned pharmaceutical holding, successfully co-hosted the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) 2025, held from October 29 to 31, 2025, in Bali. Carrying the theme “Advancing Innovation & Building a Resilient Vaccine Ecosystem for a Safer World,” the event brought together more than 46 vaccine manufacturers from 17 countries, along with global institutions such as WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, CEPI, PATH, CHAI, the Gates Foundation, as well as philanthropic partners, regulators, academics, and global health industry stakeholders. The forum served as a platform to strengthen collaboration in vaccine research, development, and distribution across developing countries.

The event opened with remarks from key figures, including DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri, DCVMN Board Chair 2022–2025 Adriansjah Azhari, President Director of Bio Farma Shadiq Akasya, and Indonesia’s Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, followed by the ceremonial gong striking led by Vice Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono.

Several global health leaders joined as keynote speakers, including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director-General, WHO), Dr. Sania Nishtar (CEO, Gavi), Dr. Richard Hatchett (CEO, CEPI), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr. (Director, PAHO), and Dr. Abebe Genetu Bayih (Local Manufacturing Coordinator, Africa CDC), representing H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya (Director-General, Africa CDC).

Throughout the three-day event, DCVMN AGM 2025 featured a series of thematic sessions addressing critical issues in the global vaccine industry, including the economic impact on public health, advances in mRNA and AI technologies, regulatory harmonization among countries, and strengthening cross-continental collaboration to ensure equitable immunization.

Bio Farma President Director Shadiq Akasya emphasized that the successful hosting of the DCVMN AGM 2025 in Bali demonstrates Bio Farma’s growing capability to position Indonesia as a global hub for vaccine collaboration.

“We believe collaboration is the key. Through DCVMN, Bio Farma will continue to contribute to the global solution, ensuring that no country is left behind in accessing quality vaccines. Bio Farma remains committed to playing a strategic role in advancing global health independence, expanding research partnerships, and accelerating vaccine access for all,” said Shadiq Akasya.

The first day of the 26th DCVMN AGM, co-hosted by PT Bio Farma (Persero), featured in-depth discussions on the global economic outlook, innovation, and the future of the vaccine industry.

In the session “Global Economic Outlook 2025,” panelists explored the impact of declining global health funding. They underscored the importance of diversifying financing sources, supporting vaccine manufacturers in Africa, and promoting public–private collaboration to ensure sustainable vaccine access. The “Novel Technologies” session showcased bioprocess innovations to enhance manufacturing efficiency in developing countries. At the same time, “CEO Forum: A Peep into the Future” brought together global vaccine industry leaders to discuss the balance between industrial sustainability and equitable access.

During the CEO Forum, Shadiq Akasya joined global industry peers, including Mahima Datla of Biological E (India) and Dr. Morena Makhoana of Biovac (South Africa), to discuss the future of more affordable vaccine production through innovation and digital transformation.

Bio Farma also reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation in the national and global vaccine supply chain, in alignment with its role as a trusted partner of the WHO and UNICEF in vaccine distribution.

The second day of the event focused on regulatory reliance, talent development, pooled procurement mechanisms, and sustainable financing. The “Future of Immunisation” panel featured Indonesia’s experience in achieving immunization self-reliance and WHO SEARO’s initiatives to reduce the number of zero-dose children by 25%.

Discussions such as “Building a Resilient Vaccine Ecosystem in Africa” and “Pandemic Agreement & Pandemic Fund” highlighted the need for regulatory harmonization, capacity strengthening, and sustainable long-term financing for pandemic preparedness.

The final day of the 26^th DCVMN AGM underscored the vital role of innovation, regional collaboration, and digital transformation in advancing global vaccine self-reliance. The day began with a session on capacity building in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the importance of technology transfer and knowledge sharing. This was followed by the ASEAN: The Vibrant Region for Collaborations and Partnerships forum, which reaffirmed Southeast Asia’s position as a driving force in the global vaccine ecosystem. Discussions on artificial intelligence and digital transformation highlighted new directions in vaccine research and distribution. At the same time, the closing session on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) underscored the contribution of novel vaccines to global health. The three-day meeting concluded with closing remarks from DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri, reaffirming the commitment of developing-country vaccine manufacturers to strengthen collaboration and innovation toward a more resilient global health system.

At the closing session, DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri shared concluding remarks, expressing optimism that such global forums could help address vaccine challenges more effectively.

“As Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said, strengthening regional companies that are closer to markets creates valuable long-term opportunities. These are moments filled with possibilities for bold action and new partnerships,” said Rajinder Suri in his closing speech.

Rajinder also extended his gratitude to Bio Farma for co-hosting the event, which contributed significantly to its success, particularly acknowledging the leadership of President Director Shadiq Akasya.

During the same occasion, DCVMN delegates and members elected the new Board Chair for the 2026–2029 term. Bio Farma’s Director of Human Capital, Iin Susanti, was elected as the new DCVMN Board Chair, becoming the third Indonesian representative to hold this position, following Mahendra Suhardono and Adriansjah Azhari.

“An important announcement I wish to share with you is that during the first day of the meeting, we held the election for the new DCVMN Board. I am delighted to announce that In Susanti has been elected as the new Board Chair, effective January 1, 2026,” said Rajinder Suri.

Alongside Iin Susanti, new vice-chairs and board members were also elected for the 2026–2029 term; they are Morena Makhoana from Biovac South Africa, Rosane Cuber Guimaraes from Bio Manguinhos Brazil, and four other board members.

In the same session, Rajinder Suri announced the host country for the upcoming DCVMN AGM: Beijing, China, with Sinovac, BioKangtai, and Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products serving as co-hosts, ensuring the continuation of the strong collaborative spirit demonstrated by Bio Farma during the 26^th DCVMN AGM in Bali.

About DCVMN

The Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) is a global alliance of 46 vaccine manufacturers from 17 developing countries, established in 2000 to strengthen public health through equitable access to high-quality vaccines. DCVMN promotes collaboration among its members through advocacy, capacity building, professional training, and joint research initiatives to enhance global immunization programs. Working closely with international organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, CEPI, PATH, CHAI, and the Gates Foundation, DCVMN strives to ensure that every nation has the capability to produce and supply affordable, life-saving vaccines. For further information, please visit dcvmn.org.

About Bio Farma

PT Bio Farma (Persero) is Indonesia’s state-owned life science company and the largest vaccine manufacturer in Southeast Asia. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Bandung, Bio Farma produces and supplies vaccines to more than 150 countries, while playing an active role in biotechnology research, innovation, and global health security. As a member of DCVMN, Bio Farma continues to contribute to international collaboration to ensure equitable vaccine access and improved global public health. For further information, please visit www.biofarma.co.id.