East Sumba Strengthens Communicable Disease Control Strategy through the Establishment of the ATM Task Force

MALARIA PERDHAKI – WAINGAPU. The Government of East Sumba Regency has officially launched a strategic initiative to combat communicable diseases through the First Coordination Meeting of the ATM Task Force (AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria), held at the Umbu Tipuk Marisi National Hall, Waingapu, on Tuesday (December 2, 2025).

This activity serves as an initial stepping stone for building a more integrated cross-sectoral working front to accelerate the control of these three priority diseases.

The coordination meeting was facilitated by PERDHAKI as a strategic partner of the local government in implementing malaria elimination programs in East Sumba.

The meeting was officially opened by the Vice Regent of East Sumba, Yonathan Hani. Also in attendance were the Regional Secretary, heads of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPDs), sub-district heads, heads of community health centers, academics, representatives of the private sector, and development partners. The participation of these stakeholders created a comprehensive coordination forum to build shared commitment in responding to ATM challenges.

The Regional Secretary, serving as Chair of the ATM Task Force, Umbu Ng. Ndamu, highlighted fundamental issues that remain major challenges, particularly the weak surveillance system and limited case detection.

“We are strong in treatment, but weak in detection. Suboptimal surveillance makes our efforts less targeted,” Umbu stated.

He also underlined the high level of social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS which negatively impacts screening coverage and community participation in early testing.

Program Manager of SSR RSK Lindimara, Semi S. Kawarakonda, emphasized the importance of harmonization and collaboration from the regency level down to the village level. According to him, cross-level synchronization is key to ensuring effective ATM responses in the field.

“Village Malaria Cadres (Juru Malaria Desa/JMD) play a strategic role as the frontline in early malaria detection and health education at the community level,” explained Semi.

He further noted that PERDHAKI through the Malaria Perdhaki program (PR–SR–SSR) and other related stakeholders remains committed to continuously supporting local governments, particularly in strengthening the capacity of village cadres as the spearhead of malaria elimination.

Meanwhile, the East Sumba Health Office presented the current epidemiological situation of ATM in the region. Malaria cases have shown a significant decline since 2022, although several villages remain classified as endemic. In the TB sector, case detection rates are still below national targets, while HIV/AIDS control faces challenges of low treatment continuity and strong social stigma.

From a financing perspective, the P3MD Technical Expert explained that Village Funds can be legally and strategically utilized to support ATM programs. These include the drafting of Village Regulations (Perdes), implementation of education and screening activities, and operational support for cadres at the village level. (Program Manager SSR Dekenat Waingapu, Fransiscus Bayu Bebo)