Iwaka Community Unites Commitment to Realize a Malaria-Free Village

MALARIA PERDHAKI–MIMIKA. The people of Iwaka Village, Iwaka District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, have taken a bold step to completely stop the spread of malaria. Through the “Towards a Malaria-Free Village” declaration held on May 6, 2026, the residents of Iwaka expressed their full commitment to breaking the chain of malaria transmission in their area.

Malaria Perdhaki, through SSR ST Petrus SP3, initiated the activity, which took place at the village hall. The event was attended by village officials, health center staff, religious leaders, community leaders, and Malaria Elimination Volunteers. The presence of all these elements marked the beginning of a concrete movement to improve family environments that have long faced significant challenges from malaria transmission.

During the meeting, health workers provided direct education about the dangers of malaria, emphasizing that the disease can be fatal. Residents were urged to remain alert to early symptoms such as chills and fever so they would not delay seeking medical treatment.

PM SSR SP3 representative Yanti stressed that malaria is a contagious disease that must not be underestimated. She explained that the presence of one positive malaria case in a household increases the vulnerability of all family members to infection. Therefore, using mosquito nets and maintaining environmental cleanliness have now become essential responsibilities that can no longer be ignored. Yanti also encouraged the village government to expand malaria elimination programs that directly engage residents in their daily activities.

One of the most interesting innovations in the follow-up action plan is a vector control movement through the mass planting of red lemongrass. Residents have scheduled the planting activity for the third week of May 2026 as a natural, affordable, and practical way to repel Anopheles mosquitoes from residential areas.

This initiative demonstrates that the Iwaka community is capable of taking real independent action starting from their own home yards without always relying on chemical interventions. In addition, every neighborhood head (RT chief) is responsible for organizing monthly community clean-up activities to ensure mosquitoes no longer have comfortable breeding grounds.

The Head of Iwaka Village, Elesius Awiyuta, expressed full support for the entire series of activities, despite current administrative challenges related to official village apparatus decrees. He instructed residents to develop independent awareness in maintaining environmental cleanliness at both household and neighborhood levels without waiting for orders.

Elesius assured that village officials and Malaria Elimination Volunteers would continue ensuring that every agreed action point is carried out responsibly. With this strong spirit of collaboration, Iwaka Village is optimistic that it can significantly reduce malaria cases and become an inspiring example for other villages across the Mimika region.