Jayapura District Health Office Strengthens the Health System Through Integrated ATM-K Community Health Cadres

MALARIA PERDHAKI–SENTANI. The Jayapura District Health Office has taken a strategic step to strengthen the local health system. In collaboration with Malaria Perdhaki (through SR PWK Jayapura 2, SSR Yapukepa 1, and SSR Yapukepa 2), UNICEF, and Yayasan Sinar Bhakti Husada, the office organized an Integrated AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Leprosy (ATM-K) Community Health Cadre Training. The five-day training was held at Grand Cartenz Hotel in Sentani from July 6–10, 2026, and was officially opened by the Head of the Jayapura District Health Office, Antonius Mote.

The training brought together 30 Malaria Cadres under the Malaria Perdhaki program, representing six community health centers (Puskesmas) across five districts in Jayapura Regency. Participants came from Sentani District, represented by cadres from Sentani Health Center and Khomba Health Center, while Sentani Timur, Ebungfauw, Sentani Barat, and Waibu Districts each sent cadres from one health center within their respective areas.

The primary objective of the training was to transform the cadres' roles. Previously dedicated to malaria prevention and control, the participants are now being equipped as integrated health cadres with competencies in AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, and Leprosy. Throughout the five-day program, they received refresher training on malaria while also gaining comprehensive knowledge and practical skills related to the prevention, detection, and management of the other three infectious diseases.

"Through this training, we hope to establish Integrated ATM-K Cadres in Jayapura Regency who are capable of providing health education, conducting initial screening, encouraging community members to seek medical examinations, carrying out home visits, supporting patient care and treatment adherence, and developing post-training action plans," said Antonius Mote during his opening remarks.

This integration initiative was introduced because AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Leprosy continue to pose significant public health challenges in Jayapura Regency. These four diseases not only affect the physical health of individuals but also threaten productivity, family well-being, and regional development.

For this reason, the presence of multifunctional community health cadres has become increasingly important. Moreover, the integrated program is now supported by a local legal framework.

Antonius menambahkan, “Dengan adanya Perda P2 ATM-K, peran kader tidak hanya dilihat sebagai kegiatan program sementara, tetapi menjadi bagian dari sistem kesehatan daerah yang lebih kuat, berkelanjutan, dan memiliki dasar kebijakan yang jelas.”

The Integrated ATM-K Cadre Training reflects the Jayapura Regency Government's strong commitment to bringing essential health services closer to communities. Community health cadres are no longer merely supporting volunteers; they have become the frontline extension of the District Health Office in the field. Through comprehensive training and strong regulatory support, these integrated cadres are expected to drive meaningful change. Their dedication will serve as a cornerstone in building a healthier, more productive Jayapura Regency, free from the threats of AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Leprosy.