SSR PSPP Waikabubak Encourages Village Governments to Issue Regulations on ATM Prevention

MALARIA PERDHAKI–SUMBA BARAT. An important breakthrough in public health has emerged in West Sumba Regency. Initiated by SSR PSPP Waikabubak, several villages have begun drafting Village Regulations (Perdes) specifically governing efforts to prevent and control HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria (ATM).

Program Manager of SSR PSPP Waikabubak, Oktovianus Hans Maure, explained that this initiative was driven by concerns over the still high risk of transmission of these three infectious diseases at the grassroots level.

He emphasized that protecting public health cannot rely solely on the role of central or regional governments; strong regulations are also needed at the village level.

“We see that villages have the authority and resources, including Village Funds, that can be optimized for the health of their communities. So far, ATM issues have often received limited attention in village development priorities. Through this Village Regulation, we want to ensure there is a strong legal foundation for village governments to allocate budgets and implement prevention and control programs,” said Oktovianus on Friday (20/2).

Oktovianus added that the advocacy process carried out by SSR PSPP Waikabubak involved various stakeholders, including the District Health Office, the Community and Village Empowerment Office (PMD), the Legal Division of the West Sumba Regional Secretariat, sub-district governments, health workers at community health centers, as well as community and religious leaders at the village level. This participatory approach was undertaken to ensure that the substance of the Village Regulation truly reflects local needs and wisdom.

Several key points proposed in the draft Village Regulation include:

1. Strengthening the Early Warning System: Encouraging the community to actively report suspected TB and Malaria cases, or residents with HIV risk factors, to health workers.
2. Support for PLHIV and TB/Malaria Patients: Guaranteeing the rights of sick residents to receive assistance and ensuring they do not face discrimination.
3. Allocation of Village Funds for Health: Allocating a portion of Village Funds sustainably for promotive and preventive activities, such as health education, mosquito net distribution, and facilitation of health screenings.
4. Empowering Village Health Cadres: Strengthening the role of cadres in outreach, education, and ensuring patients complete their treatment.

The Head of Praibakul Village, Kristian R. Kodi, stated that his village is among those initiating the ATM Village Regulation. He expressed appreciation for the steps taken by SSR PSPP Waikabubak. According to him, the regulation will serve as a guideline for village governments in designing more focused health programs.

“As village head, we certainly support efforts to protect our residents. With this Village Regulation, we have a clear basis for using village funds for disease prevention activities. This is a long-term investment in the human resources of our village,” he said.

Meanwhile, a local community leader also welcomed the initiative. He hopes that with the Village Regulation in place, negative stigma toward diseases such as AIDS will gradually diminish and residents will be more willing to seek medical check-ups when experiencing symptoms.

SSR PSPP Waikabubak hopes that this initiative will not stop at the drafting stage but will be followed by consistent implementation in the field. The organization is committed to continuing to assist villages in implementing the regulation to achieve the noble goal of realizing a healthy West Sumba community free from AIDS, TB, and Malaria.

“We are optimistic that with strong collaboration between SSR PSPP, the district government, village governments, health workers, and the community, efforts to control these three diseases will be far more effective. This is a small step from the village level, but it will have a significant impact on the future health of our next generation,” he concluded.