MALARIA PERDHAKI, Papua – The Sunum 1 Village Government, located in Sarmi Regency, Papua, has demonstrated a strong commitment to malaria prevention efforts. Through the allocation of village funds, the local government has distributed assistance amounting to Rp59 million to support various operational and preventive activities carried out by malaria cadres and health teams in the village.

The assistance was officially handed over on Thursday, June 20, 2025. The funds provided were used to support several key aspects of malaria prevention, including the procurement of motorbikes for cadre operations, the purchase of logistics, the production of mosquito repellent lotion made from red lemongrass, and the mobilization of residents to clean areas that have the potential to become mosquito breeding grounds.

In addition, various supporting equipment for activities has also been purchased, including two grass-cutting machines, one wheelbarrow, one spray tank, two grass rakes, and eight rolls of wire—five of which have already been installed in residents' homes. Other procurements include ten sheets of plywood and seven kilograms of plywood nails.

The CSO from SSR St. Antonius Sarmi, Fatma Purol, and the Head of Sunum 1 Village, Hendrik Yotha, expressed their appreciation for the collaboration and spirit of mutual cooperation among the community in the effort to eliminate malaria. They emphasized that the success of this program heavily depends on the active participation of residents and the support of the village government in making decisions that prioritize public health.

This initiative also received support from the Betaf Health Center, which acted as a partner in monitoring and providing technical assistance. With preventive measures that directly address field needs and actively involve the community, Sunum 1 Village is expected to become an inspiring example for other villages in Sarmi Regency and Papua in general in the fight against malaria.