MALARIA PERDHAKI, Sorong – In commemoration of World Malaria Day, SSR Perdhaki Diocese of Manokwari-Sorong, together with the Sorong City Health Office and malaria cadres throughout Sorong City, organized an event family gathering at Tanjung Kasuari Beach, Maladum Mes District, Sorong City, Southwest Papua, on Saturday (April 26, 2025). Carrying the theme “Joint Action for a Malaria-Free Indonesia,” this event aims to revive the spirit and dedication of malaria cadres, while also serving as a moment of reflection on their struggles in community health service. In a warm and familial atmosphere, the cadres shared stories of joys and hardships they experienced while carrying out their duties in various regions.

Inspirational and emotional stories colored this event, showing how great their sacrifices were despite facing limitations. Acting Malaria Officer at Sorong Timur Health Center, Nurul Fatima, expressed her appreciation for the cadres who tirelessly continue to fight. "Although there are many challenges, the cadres remain enthusiastic in encouraging the community to get early malaria screening. There are joys and sorrows, but that is part of the service," she said to TribunSorong.com.

Meanwhile, Head of the P2M Section at the Sorong City Health Office, Amida Sesa, stated that the number of malaria cases in Sorong City remains quite high, especially in Maladum Mes District, West Sorong, Sorong Islands, and Manoi District. "The latest data from January to April 2025 shows that malaria cases are still quite numerous in these areas," explained Amida. She further explained that the high spread of malaria is caused by factors such as unclean environments, community lifestyle behaviors, and incomplete treatments.

Many residents stop taking medication once they feel better, even though treatment must be completed for 14 days. "The active hours of malaria mosquitoes are from 6 PM to 6 AM. Sometimes people are unaware of the importance of prevention, such as sleeping without a mosquito net," she added. As a preventive measure, the Health Office continues to carry out various efforts such as distributing mosquito nets, conducting health checks, spraying, and providing larvicides. Outreach and education to the community are also continuously intensified.

“We are greatly helped by the support from Perdhaki and the cadres who actively conduct early screenings in the community,” she said. Amida emphasized that eradicating malaria is not only the responsibility of health workers and cadres but requires the support of all parties, including the government and the community. “Our goal is the same: a malaria-free Indonesia by 2030. The way to achieve this is by completing the full course of medication, maintaining a clean environment, sleeping under mosquito nets, and regularly consulting health workers,” she concluded.

This article has been published on Tribunsorong.com on the title SSR Perdhaki dan Dinkes Kota Sorong Gelar Family Gathering, Berbagi Cerita Bersama Kader Malaria, https://sorong.tribunnews.com/2025/04/26/ssr-perdhaki-dan-dinkes-kota-sorong-gelar-family-gathering-berbagi-cerita-bersama-kader-malaria.