Malaria Prevention Initiative Sumba Timur 2023

Controlling the spread of Malaria cases in East Sumba 2023, case study in Mahu District

Project Release Date : 8th June 2023
Project Leader : dr. Aldo Anapaku
Project Type : This project is implemented by Kawan Baik Indonesia Foundation on behalf of our partner who provided grant funding for this project.
Duration : 2 Month

Problem

East Sumba faces several problems in its efforts to deal with malaria cases in the region. One of the main problems is the high number of people infected with malaria. High infection rates indicate obstacles in preventing, treating, and controlling this disease.

Another problem faced is the need for knowledge of the people of East Sumba about malaria infection. Limited knowledge about symptoms, modes of transmission, and prevention measures can lead to delays in detecting and treating malaria cases. Education and extension campaigns need to be increased to socialize public awareness about the importance of preventing and treating malaria.

In addition, East Sumba also faces obstacles in terms of the means of early detection of malaria infection. Early detection is crucial to identify malaria cases and provide timely treatment quickly. Limited means of early detection, such as blood tests and adequate laboratory facilities, can hinder efforts to control malaria. To

overcome these problems, it is necessary to collaborate between the government, health institutions, and the people of East Sumba. Prevention measures should be stepped up, such as using insecticide-treated nets, mosquito vector control, and anti-malarial drugs. In addition, a comprehensive education program should be organized to increase public knowledge about malaria and the importance of proper prevention and treatment. Increasing access to early detection and health facilities is also essential to effectively manage malaria cases in East Sumba.

Our Action

To control the malaria mosquito vector in East Sumba steps such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) are needed to reduce the malaria mosquito population. In addition, the provision of insecticide-treated nets is also necessary to protect people from the bites of mosquitoes that carry malaria parasites. Furthermore, hygiene items, such as the use of soap, can help prevent malaria infection by maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene.

In addition to vector control efforts, increasing the knowledge of the people of East Sumba about malaria infection is also crucial. Through a comprehensive education program, the public can be given accurate information about the symptoms, ways of transmission, and steps to prevent malaria. They can take effective preventive measures and identify malaria cases with adequate knowledge earlier.

Early detection of malaria infection is also an essential part of prevention efforts. The rapid malaria diagnostic test (RDT malaria) and the Thick Blood Microscopic Test (TSDT) are used to detect the presence of malaria parasites in a person’s body. Early detection allows malaria cases to be identified more quickly, and appropriate treatment can be given to prevent further spread and reduce health impacts.

With the implementation of mosquito vector control, increasing public knowledge, and early detection of malaria infection through diagnostic tests, malaria cases in East Sumba can be reduced, and practical steps can be taken to deal with this disease.

Goals – Expected Result

The immediate result of this project are:
First, the number of malaria cases can be reduced.

Furthermore, leveraging the knowledge of the people of East Sumba about malaria infection is also crucial. By increasing their understanding of the symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures, it is hoped that people can take effective preventive measures and reduce the risk of contracting malaria.

In addition, detecting the number of people infected with malaria is also an essential step in the prevention effort. Early detection tools, such as malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT malaria) and the Thick Microscopic Test (TSDT), can identify blood malaria cases earlier. This allows appropriate treatment, including proper medication and prevention of further spread. We are also developing a simple digital platform that can be used offline and online to identify the case on the spot; the purpose is to get the report immediately after the door-to-door test. Training sessions with volunteers to use digital platforms will be held in Rumah Kambera before the execution in the Mahu district.

Through a comprehensive approach that involves controlling the number of malaria cases, increasing public knowledge, and early detection through detection means, it is expected to reduce the burden of malaria in East Sumba District and improve the quality of life of the local community.

KAWAN BAIK ON AIR

In an effort to support Malaria Prevention Initiative Sumba Timur 2023 program, the Kawan Baik Indonesia Foundation has activities with Max Fm Waingapu, Epi Studio to create public service advertisements as a form of awareness for the people of Waingapu and its surroundings.

Why Radio? In Mahu and its surroundings, radio is one of the most effective means of communication, with a fairly wide reach. The hope is that the invitations and appeals about health care and vaccines that are conveyed repeatedly can be accepted by the community to be applied consciously.

Radio Max Fm in Waingapu, with its own 96.9 FM band, also conveys a lot of information about health. In addition, it is also about rights and obligations as citizens, family life, social life, education and other information and knowledge related to human life (East Sumba people).