Changing the Mindset that Normalizes Malaria: Why Village Discussions Are So Important for the People of Koya Tengah

MALARIA PERDHAKI-JAYAPURA. In some Papuan communities, there is a long-standing misconception about malaria that has been passed down through generations: the belief that malaria is simply a normal part of daily life. High fever and shivering caused by malaria are often seen as ordinary natural occurrences. As a result of this mindset, many residents prefer using herbal remedies to treat malaria instead of seeking treatment at health facilities. Without proper medical intervention, their condition often worsens and can ultimately lead to death.

This is where the urgency of holding Village Discussions (Diskusi Kampung/DK) in Papua becomes evident. Village Discussions serve as a bridge of information to help change these mistaken beliefs. Through a dialogic approach, this activity aims to build a proper understanding of malaria. With accurate knowledge, communities are expected to stop underestimating the symptoms, enabling early medical treatment and prevention of severe illness.

Recognizing this urgency, every Sub-Sub Recipient (SSR) under the coordination of Malaria Perdhaki remains committed to continuously initiating these educational gatherings in every village. This commitment was recently demonstrated by SSR Yayasan Dian Harapan Papua 1 (SSR YDHP 1). On May 12, 2026, they organized a Village Discussion in Koya Tengah, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City, Papua Province.

The activity was held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the yard of a local resident’s home. During the discussion, SSR YDHP 1 thoroughly explained the basic knowledge of malaria to community members, including what malaria is, how it is transmitted, preventive measures, and treatment procedures.

The education program in Koya Tengah did not stop at theory and discussion. Afterwards, SSR YDHP 1 and local residents immediately carried out two concrete actions in the field to help break the chain of malaria transmission.

The first action was planting red lemongrass around residents’ homes. Red lemongrass was chosen because its strong aroma is highly disliked by mosquitoes, including Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors of malaria transmission. When extracted, the plant has also proven effective in killing mosquito larvae.

The next action involved inspecting village areas and spreading larvicide in several stagnant water sites. This step is part of a malaria control strategy. By targeting larvae and pupae directly at their breeding grounds, the community can prevent them from developing into adult mosquitoes capable of infecting humans.

Through these efforts to change mindsets and implement preventive actions, the people of Koya Tengah have taken an important step forward in protecting themselves and their families from the threat of malaria.