Communication Strategy and Community Mobilization: Village Heads Become the Driving Force Behind Malaria Elimination in Boven Digoel

MALARIA PERDHAKI – TANAH MERAH. MALARIA PERDHAKI – TANAH MERAH. Malaria Perdhaki, through the Sub-Recipient (SR) of the Archdiocese of Merauke (KAMe), in collaboration with SSR Mindiptana and SSR Mindiptana 2, conducted a three-day training titled "Communication Strategy and Community Mobilization for Key Community Leaders." The training took place from June 27 to 29, 2026, at the Seminary Hall in Boven Digoel Regency.

As reflected in the theme of the training, the event brought together key community leaders from various areas. Most participants were village heads, accompanied by other village officials, including village secretaries and members of the Village Consultative Body (Bamuskam). A total of 26 participants attended, representing 13 villages across five districts in Boven Digoel Regency: Arimop, Iniyandit, Waropko, Mindiptana, and Subur. Throughout the training, participants were also supported by three Malaria Elimination Volunteers (REM) and one Civil Society Organization (CSO) representative.

The active involvement of village heads is considered crucial to the success of malaria elimination efforts. As leaders at the grassroots level, their commitment plays a decisive role in ensuring the effective implementation of malaria programs within their communities. Village heads have the authority to allocate Village Fund resources for health programs and to formulate local policies or village regulations that promote a healthier environment. Furthermore, as respected and influential figures, they are well positioned to mobilize community volunteers and educate residents, helping transform public perceptions so that malaria is no longer regarded as an ordinary or inevitable disease.

The strategic training was officially opened by Adolof Andatu, Head of the Boven Digoel District Health Office. In his opening remarks, Adolof emphasized the indispensable role of village heads in breaking the chain of malaria transmission. He highlighted the persistently high number of daily malaria cases in the region and the serious consequences of the disease. According to him, malaria should never be considered a common illness, as it can lead to death and poses significant risks to pregnant women, potentially resulting in congenital disabilities in newborns. Therefore, he called for greater commitment from all sectors of society, stressing that malaria elimination should not rely solely on health workers but must become a shared responsibility.

During the three-day training, participants received a range of essential learning modules, including effective interpersonal communication techniques, methods for facilitating community group discussions, and comprehensive knowledge on malaria prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and case management. Through this training, the key community leaders are expected to return to their respective villages and serve as the primary driving force behind local malaria elimination initiatives.

The key outcomes expected following this training include the development of Village Regulations (Perkam) on malaria prevention and elimination to help create healthier communities, the establishment of Village Malaria Teams, and concrete commitments to allocate village budgets for malaria control and elimination efforts.