"We reckon that malaria is not merely a health issue, but it also has to do with equity, development, security, and public policies," Health Ministry's director general for disease control, Murti Utami, noted in a statement received here on Tuesday.
While some countries have made significant progress in controlling malaria, she drew attention to ongoing challenges in the Asia Pacific, such as widespread cases, cross-border travel, zoonotic malaria, drug resistance, and the impacts of climate change.
According to Utami, the Asia Pacific already has a head start in malaria elimination efforts on account of strong community-based interventions and a plethora of successful innovations at its disposal.
"What we need is to push, integrate, and keep those efforts up," Utami remarked.
She also highlighted the need to strengthen collaborative efforts, not only among health ministries but also across sectors and countries.
Utami reported that 23 countries are participating in the forum, with over 200 attendees, including politicians, experts, development partners, and organizations. She noted that the forum aims to boost collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate malaria, a health issue rampant in the region.
In the same statement, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Indonesia's leadership in malaria elimination, both nationally and regionally.
Ghebreyesus noted that national malaria elimination is achievable and that many Asia-Pacific countries have already made significant progress in this area.
However, he acknowledged that the efforts face complex challenges, including global funding constraints. He believes addressing these issues requires sustainable political commitment and extensive collaboration among countries, sectors, and partners.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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