Not Just a Ceremony: Nawaripi Village Officially Declares Its Commitment to a Malaria-Free 2030

MALARIA PERDHAKI–MIMIKA. Nawaripi Village, located in Wania District, Mimika Regency, held the signing of the 2030 malaria-free declaration on May 21, 2026. This event marked a crucial momentum that signifies a new chapter in efforts to eradicate infectious diseases at the local level.

The declaration in Nawaripi Village was not merely ceremonial, but rather a historic milestone and a moral call to unite the commitment of all stakeholders, while also serving as the main foundation for accelerating malaria elimination in the area.

Through this momentum, the SSR of St. Stefannus Sempan Parish together with community leaders fully committed to achieving a malaria-free Nawaripi Village by 2030. To reach this major target, the primary focus is now directed toward concrete actions, including improving environmental sanitation and implementing Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) within the community.

Residents are encouraged to pay greater attention to environmental cleanliness around their homes, including regularly clearing grass along road shoulders and increasing awareness in household waste management. The community is also strongly urged to stop disposing of garbage into drainage channels, as this harmful habit can cause water stagnation that potentially becomes a breeding ground for Anopheles mosquitoes.

One representative emphasized that standing water caused by clogged drainage systems can be prevented collectively, because this is where the chain of malaria transmission begins. Therefore, awareness and cooperation from everyone are essential.

As a concrete follow-up after the declaration, several work programs have been launched to maintain the spirit of this movement. One of them is the distribution and application of abate powder at stagnant water sites. Home visits to educate the community about malaria prevention will also be conducted.

The government and community leaders are also committed to improving drainage infrastructure. Both parties will continue coordinating to assess whether drainage repairs can be handled through community self-help initiatives or will require direct intervention from the Wania District Government and the Mimika Regency Government.

To ensure the sustainability of this movement, the “Clean Friday” program will continue to be actively carried out on a regular basis in Nawaripi Village as a key pillar in achieving the 2030 malaria-free target. This weekly community clean-up activity, initiated directly by the Wania District Government, is a strategic movement aimed at mobilizing all levels of society to work together in cleaning the environment simultaneously.

With the official declaration, the implementation of concrete action programs in the field, and the strong commitment from all elements of society and government, Nawaripi Village is now on the right path toward change. Every effort and strategic step has begun to move forward. Amid existing challenges, there remains a strong belief that sincere and persistent efforts will never betray the results. Continued success to Nawaripi Village, and success toward the 2030 malaria elimination target in the land of Mimika!