Perdhaki Strengthens Malaria Prevention Education in Asmat

MALARIA PERDHAKI–ASMAT. Malaria remains a “shadow disease” that haunts the people of Asmat Regency. Transmission rates are still high and continue to pose a major health threat, especially for children and pregnant women.

The Indonesian Catholic Health Care Association (PERDHAKI), which has been consistently present in the remote regions of Papua for decades, reaffirms its commitment to curbing the spread of this endemic disease. Through its Malaria Program under the coordination of the Diocese of Agats, Perdhaki applies a simple yet impactful approach: village discussions.

This method creates space for dialogue between health workers, malaria cadres, and the community. Residents are encouraged to talk about ways to prevent mosquito bites, the importance of seeking treatment early, and maintaining environmental cleanliness to eliminate breeding sites.

“Malaria control cannot be done in isolation,” emphasized Gilbert Ohoitimur, Program Manager of SSR Diocese of Agats – PERDHAKI Malaria Program, when met in Agats on Friday (3/10/2025).

“We are here with the community, but cross-sector support is essential for interventions to be effective and sustainable.”

PERDHAKI is now building strategic collaboration with the Asmat District Government, particularly the Health Office and the network of community health centers (Puskesmas). The focus is directed toward villages with the highest Annual Parasite Incidence (API)—an important indicator reflecting the level of malaria transmission.

These efforts aim not only to reduce case numbers but also to foster collective awareness for early prevention. Repeated education is considered key, as healthy behaviors can only form when the community understands the risks and actively participates in the solutions.

For PERDHAKI, malaria is not merely a medical issue. It is a matter of human dignity: that the people of Asmat deserve to live healthy lives, work, and raise their children without being overshadowed by a preventable disease.

Source: https://infopapuaselatan.com/perdhaki-perkuat-edukasi-penanggulangan-malaria-di-asmat