Papua Becomes A Decisive, Can Indonesia Be Malaria-Free In 2030?

Illustration of the malaria mosquito. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Research Center for Research on Molecular Biology Eijkman, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Rintis Noviyanti, emphasized that Papua is the key to Indonesia's success in achieving the malaria elimination target by 2030.

In a discussion on malaria elimination in Jakarta, Rintis presented data showing 86' 90 percent of national malaria cases concentrated in Papua. In 2023, the number of malaria cases in Indonesia reached around 400,000 cases spread across 514 districts/cities.

According to Rintis, the biggest challenge in eradicating malaria is the handling of Plasmodium vivax. This parasite is able to form german cells in the liver or hipnozoit that are not detected through microscopic examinations or rapid tests.

"Currently, there is no accurate test to detect latent hypozoits in the liver," he said, quoted from Antara, Thursday, August 14.

Rintis explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) is targeting global malaria elimination by 2030, and Indonesia is one of the committed countries.

BRIN and research partners are now testing various strategies, ranging from giving a high-dose primaquine in a short time to kill a hipnozoit, to a trial of a new drug tafenoquine that is drunk enough but has a similar effect.

In terms of prevention, malaria vaccines are also the focus. WHO has recommended the use of vaccines in a number of African countries. Indonesia is preparing to test the R21 vaccine made in Oxford and the Serum Institute of India next year to see its effectiveness for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum.

"We are also working with Papua New Guinea researchers for molecular surveillance in border areas. The movement of residents in this area affects the spread of malaria in both countries," said Rintis.

With the right combination of research, innovation, and field intervention, Rintis is optimistic that malaria elimination targets in Indonesia can be achieved by 2030.