Governor’s Circular Brings New Momentum, SSR PW KAMe Ready to Advance ATM Program Integration

MALARIA PERDHAKI – MERAUKE. Efforts to control AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (ATM) in South Papua have gained new momentum with the issuance of the Governor of South Papua’s Circular Letter No. 100.3.4/36/PPS/VI/2025 dated 18 June 2025.

The circular emphasizes the importance of Village Governments allocating health budgets within the Village Budget (APBKampung) and strengthening the integration of promotive and preventive programs at the grassroots level.

Program Manager of SSR PW Archdiocese of Merauke (KAMe), Eka Chris Prasetia, stated that this policy is a significant moment for accelerating malaria control and the ATM integration efforts currently being implemented by Malaria Perdhaki.

“This circular is highly strategic. Villages now have a strong basis to allocate funding and collaborate with community health workers, health offices, and development partners. It opens up opportunities for more sustainable and targeted health initiatives,” Chris said.

Chris explained that specifically for malaria, the circular underlines that Merauke remains a priority endemic area.

The commitment and concrete support of SSR PW Merauke is reflected in the high number of examinations and active case finding, contributing up to 60% of the total malaria examinations in Merauke Regency.

“Malaria cadres in Merauke also carry out vector control activities, including cleaning and filling stagnant water, applying larvicide (liquid abate) to ponds and water containers around homes, as well as providing education during the distribution of mosquito nets,” Chris added.

He continued that the same commitment is also applied to the broader ATM program. In July 2025, Merauke was selected as a pilot area for the Perkuat Kader Satu (Kader PERKASA) program. A total of 30 cadres from seven community health centers (Kelapa Lima, Karang Indah, Mopah Baru, Samkai, Tanah Miring, Kuprik, and Kurik) participated in the training.

“These Kader PERKASA are malaria cadres who have been further trained to conduct education and symptom-finding (referral) for AIDS and TB,” Chris explained.

Based on available data, within the first three months, the PERKASA cadres in Merauke successfully conducted 1,812 educational sessions and made 33 referrals, all of which have been followed up by health service facilities (Puskesmas).