Dedication from the Heart: The Story of Emilia Maze Fighting Malaria at the Edge of Sarmi

“Everything done with the heart will reach the heart.” This quote perfectly captures Emilia Maze, a housewife who has devoted her time as a malaria volunteer in Gwinjaya Village, East Bonggo District, Sarmi Regency, Papua.

Emilia’s challenges are far from easy. Most residents of Gwinjaya are farmers. Many indigenous Papuans make a living by fishing, hunting, and processing sago, spending much of their lives deep in the forest. This makes access to healthcare a real physical struggle.

This is where Emilia’s role as a malaria volunteer is truly tested. Whenever the phone rings with news of a patient shivering in the middle of a peanut field, she immediately rushes out without hesitation. Going in and out of the forest, trekking through plantations, and crossing muddy roads to reach patients has become part of her daily life. As a frontline worker in the forest, Emilia is accustomed to a proactive “reaching out” approach—providing early treatment and ensuring that every patient receives immediate care. When a patient’s condition exceeds her capacity, she does not hesitate to refer them to the East Bonggo sub-health center.

For her, humanity comes above all else. One touching story occurred when Emilia encountered a critically ill patient in the village while the patient’s entire family was still in the forest. Realizing that the patient’s life could not wait, she took the initiative to bring the patient directly to the health center. Unable to bear leaving the patient alone, she stayed faithfully by their side until the family arrived. For Emilia, the task is not complete until the patient is in safe hands.

Emilia berhati lembut.  Namun demikian, Emilia bisa bersikap sangat tegas. Ia tak segan menegur orang tua yang tidak disiplin memberikan obat, terutama setelah melihat seorang balita harus menderita kembali akibat malaria yang kambuh. Ketegasan ini lahir dari rasa sayang, bukan amarah.

It is no surprise that Emilia is deeply loved by her community. In between treating patients, she tirelessly educates residents about malaria prevention. She even shares her personal phone number with everyone and keeps her door open 24 hours a day for anyone in need of help.

There are many other touching stories that Emilia remembers as a malaria volunteer. But one she will never forget is when a resident walked for an hour from the forest carrying their child with a high fever just to see her.

Ada rasa bahagia sekaligus haru yang membuncah di hati Emilia. Bahagia karena warga mulai sadar kesehatan dan menuruti pesannya untuk tidak membiarkan anggota keluarga sakit di rumah.  Haru melihat perjuangan mereka agar bisa sembuh meski tanpa alat komunikasi maupun alat transportasi.

Today, the rate of illness in Gwinjaya has decreased significantly. Emilia feels grateful to have been part of this effort through the support of Malaria Perdhaki. Her hope is simple: to continue contributing and to see stronger support for malaria volunteers, so that one day all residents of Gwinjaya Village will truly be free from the burden of malaria.

For Emilia, every step through the mud and every door she opens wide is an investment in Gwinjaya’s future. She is more than just a volunteer; she is a small light that refuses to go out in the dense forests of Papua. Through her heartfelt work, Emilia proves that compassion is the most powerful remedy, and that the dream of a malaria-free village is no longer just a dream, but a reality she is weaving every single day.