As Indonesia inches closer to its malaria elimination goal, the challenge of fostering collaboration among field workers, policymakers, researchers, and health system managers becomes even more critical. The evolving malaria landscape provides ample opportunities for research and development, from creating new tools to modifying clinical trial designs. Such innovation is best realised when researchers from diverse backgrounds join forces. The 3rd Annual Malaria Research in Indonesia (AMRI) forum aims to bridge these gaps and foster innovative solutions.
The progress made in malaria elimination can be attributed to a variety of interventions, including operational research focused on reaching remote populations and maintaining malaria-free areas. This wealth of research, bolstered by the recommendation from the 2019 Joint Malaria Programme Review (JMPR) to institutionalise the AMRI forum, has provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge among Indonesian researchers, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), and the National Vector Control Programme (NVCP) managers, informing evidence-based decisions from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and disseminating study results.
In collaboration with WHO Indonesia, the Indonesian Parasitic Disease Control Association (P4I) and the Indonesian Society for Medical Specialists in Clinical Parasitology (PDS PARKI), the NMCP and NVCP organized the third AMRI conference to commemorate World Malaria Day 2023. The event, held online from 14 to 15 March 2023, attracted a diverse group of nearly 2,000 participants from universities, health offices, research institutes, private companies, and civil society organizations, creating a comprehensive knowledge-sharing platform. The conference featured keynote speeches, research presentations, and discussions covering diverse themes related to malaria epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vector control, disease surveillance, prevention, and program management.
Notable figures lent their voices to the discourse, including Dr Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, Director General of Disease Prevention and Control MoH Indonesia, and Dr Céline Christiansen-Jucht, Epidemiologist of the WHO Mekong Malaria Elimination (MME) Programme. Dr Rondonuwu underscored the primary goal of malaria control: to foster a healthy, malaria-free Indonesian society that is self-reliant, productive, and competitive by 2030, achieved through innovative strategies for disease prevention, elimination, and maintenance. Meanwhile, Dr Christiansen-Jucht highlighted the hastening of malaria elimination in Cambodia and the Greater Mekong subregion through the MME initiative that involved mass or targeted drug administration, intermittent preventive therapy for forest-goers, active fever screening, and the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets. Such initiatives have played a pivotal role in refining the country’s malaria surveillance strategies, prevention efforts, risk mitigation activities, and treatment guidelines.
“Malaria elimination activities require a solid baseline malaria system in place, and very solid planning to build on and make the activities impactful,” said Dr Céline Christiansen-Jucht in her keynote speech.
The conference also addressed social determinants, behaviour change communication strategies, and the role of communities in the malaria programme. Notably, Pratima Rai from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, presented findings on Village Malaria Workers (VMWs), showcasing their positive impact on bringing malaria services closer to underserved communities through testing, treatment, and education. The research was conducted in provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and West Papua.
The 3rd AMRI has firmly laid the foundations for evidence-based interventions on Indonesia’s path to achieving malaria elimination by 2030. The wealth of knowledge and experiences shared during the conference will inspire innovative solutions and strategies to combat this enduring health challenge. Key action points emphasized the necessity of innovative policies and strategies for robust malaria prevention, elimination, and maintenance. Overall, the AMRI highlighted the need for a comprehensive and effective malaria system to drive future improved interventions in the fight against malaria.
Moving forward, AMRI forum should be conducted regularly to enable continuous sharing of insights and recommendations for malaria elimination in Indonesia. The forum can focus on developing innovative policies, strengthening malaria prevention efforts, refining surveillance strategies, and improving treatment guidelines. By harnessing the collective knowledge and experiences of stakeholders, Indonesia aims to accelerate its progress towards malaria elimination, ensuring a healthier and malaria-free future for its people.
WHO Indonesia’s malaria programme is supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Source: World Health Organization