Health Ministry Spotlights AIDS, TB, and Malaria Emergency in Papua Pegunungan
The government is sharpening measures to control three major infectious diseases—AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria (ATM)—in Papua Pegunungan. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), through the Indonesian Association of Health Offices (Adinkes), emphasises the importance of synchronising central and regional programmes to achieve more realistic elimination targets.
Adinkes Executive Board member Ferdinan J. Laihad asserts that ATM control efforts can no longer operate in isolation. These programmes, he says, must be integrated into regional planning documents to avoid being merely sectoral agendas.
“So far, the approach has remained fragmented. However, to reduce ATM case numbers, there must be policy alignment from the centre to the regions,” he stated, as quoted by Antara on Thursday (26/3).
He highlights that the burden of handling cannot solely rest on health offices. Cross-sectoral involvement, from government institutions and non-governmental organisations to communities, is key to success in areas with complex geographical and social challenges like Papua Pegunungan.
Current interventions are directed at six priority districts: Jayawijaya, Nduga, Yahukimo, Central Mamberamo, Yalimo, and Pegunungan Bintang. These areas have long been the focus of Global Fund support, the international body funding AIDS, TB, and malaria eradication programmes.
Nevertheless, Ferdinan indicates limitations in programme coverage.
“Currently, the Global Fund is only monitoring six districts. Yet, this approach should be expanded to other regions in Indonesia with similar vulnerabilities,” he said.
On the other hand, security issues in Papua Pegunungan also affect implementation strategies. Field activities are now consolidated at specific points to minimise risks.
“We have adjusted the technical approach. This is not about reducing interventions, but ensuring programmes continue without additional risks,” he explained.
Kemenkes hopes these more integrated and adaptive steps will curb the spread of ATM in Papua Pegunungan while improving the quality of life for residents in the area.