Perkasa Cadres: Malaria Perdhaki’s Effort to Promote ATM Program Integration

MALARIA PERDHAKI–JAKARTA. Malaria Perdhaki continues to strengthen the role and performance of Kader Perkasa (Perkuat Kader Satu) since it was initiated at the end of July across three regions: Merauke, Nabire, and Jayapura.

The presence of Kader Perkasa is an effort to reinforce the role of community health workers in providing integrated health education and support for three diseases: malaria, HIV, and TB.

Malaria Perdhaki’s commitment to promoting the integration of AIDS, TB, and Malaria (ATM) programs is aligned with the spirit carried by the Global Fund at the High-Level Meeting — The Global Fund's Eight Replenishment Summit — held on Friday (21/11) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The summit marked a pivotal moment to accelerate efforts to end AIDS, TB, and malaria, strengthen resilient and sustainable health systems, and build a healthier and safer future for all.

Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands stated that more than 20 years ago, the Global Fund partnership was established to fill a major gap in the health system.

“By combining the strengths of governments, the passion of communities, the reach of civil society, and the pragmatism of the private sector, this unique public–private partnership has proven highly successful in saving 70 million lives and reducing the combined mortality rate of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 63%,” Peter wrote in his article published in Forbes, quoted Friday (21/11).

For context, the Kader Perkasa Program currently in a pilot phase across the three regions and has involved more than 90 cadres.

Rivaldi, the Consultant for HIV, TB, and Malaria Integration Cadres, stated that in the past four months of implementation, Kader Perkasa has demonstrated several positive achievements.

“Based on available data, there has been an increase in home visits and referrals to health services. This is a positive development, especially considering that the program has just been initiated,” Rivaldi said.

For example, in Jayapura, the number of home visits by cadres in October reached 1,549 visits, increasing from 1,335 visits in September.

Meanwhile, in Nabire, home visits in October reached 1,547, a significant rise from 622 visits recorded in September.

As for Merauke, the number of home visits remained at a positive level with 613 visits in October, following 667 visits in September.

In addition to home visits, the Kader Perkasa Program has also encouraged community referrals to health facilities (Puskesmas). Across the three pilot regions, total referrals included 108 for TB, 163 for HIV, and 21 for HIV–TB.