Target Indonesia Free Of Malaria 2030, Papua Is A Priority

JAKARTA - In order to realize the national malaria elimination target, the Indonesian government continues to intensify strategic steps, especially in areas with a high level of endemicity such as Papua.

malaria's dominance is not only about reducing the number of cases, but also building a strong and sustainable health system, in order to achieve malaria-free Indonesia by 2030.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the central government had reached an important agreement with all governors in Papua to jointly commit to the sole target of malaria elimination in the region by 2030.

"There are two important points that we have agreed on, the first is the full cooperation between the central government and all regional heads in Papua to end malaria in total until 2030," said Minister of Health Budi at the 9th Asia Pacific Leaders Summit on Malaria meeting which took place in Badung, Bali, as quoted by ANTARA.

He added that cross-border cooperation is also crucial, considering that the Papua region shares direct land with Papua New Guinea, which also has a high rate of malaria cases.

"Because it is on one island, the movement of mosquitoes carrying malaria can cross the border. Therefore, the cross-border approach is important," he explained.

Papua is the area with the highest malaria burden in Indonesia. Of the total 514 regencies/cities in Indonesia, only about 79 percent have been declared malaria-free, while the rest are in eastern Indonesia, especially Papua, still facing major challenges in the elimination of this disease.

Minister of Health Budi revealed that if Papua can be handled effectively, then 90 percent of malaria problems in Indonesia can be resolved.

"We also see the success of other regions, including several districts in Papua, which have shown extraordinary innovation in suppressing cases," he said.

Some areas that have received appreciation for malaria control innovation include the districts of Tanah Ambu, West Sumbawa, Anambas Islands, Balangan, North Lombok, Malinau, Maybrat, South Buru, and Aceh Jaya. The innovations they carried out included the establishment of malaria posts at the village level, strengthening early detection, and sustainable education to the community.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ribka Haluk, who is from Papua, expressed her commitment to strengthen her guidance and supervision of the implementation of the malaria elimination program in six provinces of Papua.

Papua accounts for about 90 percent of national malaria cases. So, it is important to ensure that regional development planning documents (RPJMD) in Papua really prioritize adequate budget allocations for malaria elimination programs," said Ribka.

He also emphasized that the active role of local governments in the preparation of policies and budgeting greatly determines the success of elimination efforts. With synergies between the central, regional and cross-sectoral governments, Indonesia looks optimistic about achieving the zero malaria target by 2030.