Learning from Bila Cenge Village's Success in Malaria Elimination

MALARIA PERDHAKI–TAMBOLAKA. Bila Cenge Village has achieved a remarkable milestone by recording zero locally acquired malaria cases in May and identifying only one imported case in June. This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of Petrus Pati Dari, Head of Bila Cenge Village, North Kodi District, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

Petrus expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to Malaria Perdhaki for its unwavering commitment and consistent support in assisting Bila Cenge Village's malaria control efforts. He is grateful that, through strong collaboration, the village has been able to achieve this positive trend.

Petrus still vividly remembers the moment when he brought together village officials and community members to establish the Malaria Elimination Task Force. This initiative was further strengthened by drafting a Village Regulation on Malaria Elimination, culminating in April 2025 when Bila Cenge Village officially held its Declaration Towards Becoming a Malaria-Free Village.

This commitment has been fully supported through dedicated funding and institutional strengthening. In 2025, Petrus allocated village funds to the health sector to ensure adequate resources for malaria control activities. Entering 2026, despite budget efficiency measures that significantly reduced health funding, Bila Cenge Village continued to prioritize this allocation as a tangible demonstration of the village government's unwavering commitment.

Under Petrus's leadership, the Malaria Elimination Task Force immediately began implementing activities in the field. The team regularly organizes "Clean Friday," a community-wide environmental clean-up campaign that has now become a mandatory village program. In addition, routine household monitoring and supervision are conducted to ensure that mosquito nets are being used properly and consistently.

Community members are also encouraged to take advantage of natural mosquito control methods by planting citronella grass around their homes as a natural mosquito repellent. These practical interventions are complemented by continuous malaria prevention education, which is incorporated into every village meeting and community gathering.

Petrus believes that the village's achievements are the result of consistency and collective commitment. Nevertheless, he recognizes that the work is far from over, as Bila Cenge Village still faces the important challenge of maintaining this progress and preventing future increases in malaria cases.

In closing, Petrus emphasized that all village heads must play an active role in malaria control within their respective communities and have the courage to take concrete steps toward declaring their villages malaria-free. He believes that such tangible actions will inspire and spread a positive spirit among local residents.