Accelerating Malaria Elimination, Pitewi Village Drafts New Village Regulation

MALARIA PERDHAKI–JAYAPURA. The government of Pitewi Village, together with community leaders, is drafting a village regulation (Perkam) to strengthen malaria prevention and control efforts in Pitewi Village, East Arso District, Papua Province.

The meeting was held at the Pitewi Village Posyandu on Wednesday (19/11), involving Perdhaki PWK Jayapura-1 through SSR Dekenat Keerom-2 along with Pitewi Village community leaders.

Pitewi Village Head, Niko Kera, stated that the Perkam will serve as a legal foundation for malaria prevention and control. In addition, the regulation will outline the roles and responsibilities of the Malaria-Free Task Team.

“Many people in Pitewi are suffering from malaria. I am committed to supporting the development of this village regulation so that no one in my community gets malaria,” said Niko, who also serves as Ondo Marga Kera (Customary Clan Leader).

The drafting process took place over two days, including a coordination meeting at the village level involving the Village Consultative Body (Bamuskam), Community Protection (Linmas), and malaria cadres, as well as the establishment of the Pitewi Malaria-Free Task Team.

Pitewi Village Secretary, Abdu Fatah Mas’ud, stated that the Perkam aligns with the regional regulation (Perda) on accelerating malaria elimination in Keerom District, Regulation No. 2 of 2022.

“The regional regulation fully supports malaria elimination programs at the village level. Other villages can also use it as a reference for developing their own village regulations,” he said.

Community leaders attending the meeting actively participated in the discussions and contributed input to the draft Perkam that was agreed upon.

Meanwhile, Civil Society Organization (CSO) representative from SSR Dekenat Keerom, Riduan P. Saragih, noted that the draft regulation can now be followed up. Perdhaki is also ready to collaborate toward achieving a malaria-free village.

“Once this regulation is issued, village authorities and key community figures must ensure its implementation and sustainability,” Riduan concluded.

Author: Kristmas Tawurutubun, PM SSR Dekenat Keerom-2
Editor: Filemon Agung