Perdhaki through SR KAMe Holds Malaria Cadre Training in Boven Digoel

MALARIA PERDHAKI–BOVEN DIGOEL. The Indonesian Catholic Health Association (Perhimpunan Karya Dharma Kesehatan Indonesia/Perdhaki), through the Sub-Recipient of the Archdiocese of Merauke (SR KAMe), organized a Malaria Cadre Training for prospective cadres in the working areas of SSR Mindiptana and SSR Mindiptana 2.

The activity was held over five days, from 1–5 December 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen the acceleration of malaria elimination in Boven Digoel Regency.

The training aimed to equip cadres with knowledge and skills to deliver integrated malaria services and education in their respective working areas. The main focus was on strengthening the capacity and competencies of cadres so they can serve as the frontline in malaria prevention and control at the community level.

The Malaria Cadre Training was officially opened by the Regent’s Expert Staff for Economic and Financial Affairs, Jefri Niharua. In his remarks, he emphasized that malaria remains a serious challenge for communities in Papua, including Boven Digoel Regency, which according to national data is still one of the highest contributors of malaria cases in South Papua Province.

“I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Perdhaki for organizing this training. Malaria cadres play a strategic role as the frontline in efforts to minimize and ultimately eliminate malaria in the region,” Jefri said in his speech.

Furthermore, he hoped that the cadres would participate fully in the entire training program so they could carry out their roles optimally within the community. He also encouraged the utilization of available village funds, including allocating a portion for human resource development, particularly to support the role of malaria cadres in villages.

Program Manager of SSR Mindiptana 2, Bonefasius Bera Kleor, presented an overview of Perdhaki and the various malaria elimination acceleration programs that have been and are being implemented through SRs and SSRs, especially in eastern Indonesia.

“This training is an important part of the strategy to strengthen health human resources in Boven Digoel Regency,” said Bonefasius.

A total of 25 participants took part in the training, consisting of 7 primary health centers (PKM) from the working areas of SSR Mindiptana and SSR Mindiptana 2. Specifically, the SSR Mindiptana area was represented by 15 cadres and 1 facilitator, while the SSR Mindiptana 2 area was represented by 9 cadres. The training was made possible through funding support from the Global Fund (GF).

On the fifth day, the cadres carried out field practice in Sokanggo Village through house-to-house visits to residents. Prior to the visits, the Village Head and village officials warmly welcomed the cadres. In their remarks, the village government expressed appreciation and gratitude to Perdhaki for selecting Sokanggo Village as a pilot location and expressed hope that the presence of malaria cadres would contribute to reducing malaria cases in the village. The cadres were then divided into three neighborhood units (RT) to conduct home visits and provide education to the community.

Through this training, Perdhaki hopes that malaria cadres in the SSR Mindiptana and SSR Mindiptana 2 areas will be increasingly prepared and empowered to support malaria elimination efforts, particularly in Boven Digoel Regency, toward a healthier, malaria-free community.