Following Key Stakeholder Training, Arbais Village Head Ready to Realize a Malaria-Free Village

MALARIA PERDHAKI–JAYAPURA. The Malaria Perdhaki Program in the Diocese of Jayapura Regions 1 and 2 conducted a Communication Strategy and Community Mobilization Training for 24 key stakeholders at the village level. After participating in the intensive training held on June 17–19, 2026, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating malaria elimination in their respective areas.

One of the participants, Arbais Village Head from Sarmi Regency, Yeremias Yehezkiel Orowai, stated that the training had provided a renewed sense of motivation for village officials. According to him, malaria elimination requires consistency and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure that the movement that has been established does not lose momentum.

"The fire must not go out. If possible, let this fire become a movement for accelerating malaria elimination. I hope the spirit fostered through this training will continue to burn brightly, and that malaria control programs can be implemented sustainably," Yeremias said optimistically.

Yeremias acknowledged that implementing malaria programs in Arbais Village still faces significant challenges. The village’s difficult geographical conditions remain a major obstacle to optimizing healthcare services, and malaria cases continue to be reported in the area.

"My area is very difficult to access. Even now, some members of our community are still suffering from malaria. This is a major challenge for us to continue working hard to find solutions so that healthcare services and prevention efforts can reach every segment of society," he explained.

Nevertheless, Yeremias expressed great hope for the program initiated by Malaria Perdhaki. He believes the training can inspire innovative programs that directly address the real health needs of communities at the grassroots level.

"We need support and collaboration from various stakeholders so that the benefits of malaria elimination can truly be felt directly by the community," he added.

As a demonstration of his commitment, Yeremias stated that he is ready to immediately follow up on all action plans developed during the training. He is determined to maximize his authority as village head to reduce malaria morbidity in his community.

"I will implement all follow-up action plans to the best of my ability for the health of the people in my village. What we have learned here will be put into practice so that the community becomes more aware, actively involved, and united in realizing a malaria-free village," Yeremias emphasized.

The training, which targeted key community leaders, primarily aimed to strengthen the capacity of local leaders in advocacy, community mobilization, and encouraging support through village budget allocations. Through this initiative, the 24 village officials involved are expected to become the main driving force in realizing a malaria-free Papua.