Mahendra Suhardono Named New DCVMN President

Kuta (Antara Bali) - Mahendra Suhardono from PT Bio Farma, Indonesia, was named president of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) for the period of 2012-2014 here on Friday replacing Akira Homma from Bio Manguihhos Fiocruz, Brazil.

Akira Homma after the election said he hoped the DCVMN would be better and stronger in the future so that its presence would be more beneficial for humanity especially in developing countries.

He said the future challenge faced by developing countries of the is how to develop new affordable vaccines in a big number at an to overcome and anticipate diseases developing especially in developing countries.

Mahendra on the occasion expressed thanks to the former president for his leadership that has made DCVMN more solid. DCVMN at present has 37 vaccine producers 14 countries as its members.

"For me this presidency is an honor and I need support from all DCVMN members to make our organization better and even stronger," he said.

He said based on agreement the next 14th DCVMN meeting is scheduled to be held in Vietnam in the next two years with Vabiotech Vietnam as the host.

Mahendra is a vaccine making expert and is director of production of PT Bio Farma, a state-owned pharmaceutical company.(*/M038)