Speaking at the 9th Asia Pacific Leaders' Summit on Malaria in Badung district, Bali, on Tuesday, he said that the initiative could help bring down malaria infections significantly, but would require a substantial budget.
"We are currently assessing whether the program is economically feasible," he informed, adding that the assessment is necessary given the large size of the targeted population.
He explained that the two districts have been selected for the pilot given their high malaria prevalence, especially in forested areas. He added that Papuan regions account for 90 percent of Indonesia's total malaria cases.
The Health Ministry has been carrying out preventive measures in the regions, including malaria screening for two million people, which is conducted annually, he said.
The ministry has also received support from the Global Fund in distributing 3.3 million long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
"We are hoping for political commitments, including from regional governments, to help intensify these efforts so that we can eliminate malaria by 2030," Sadikin said.
The ministry has forged cooperation with all provincial governments across the Papuan region, as well as the government of neighboring country Papua New Guinea for malaria prevention, he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ribka Haluk, who was born in Papua, affirmed that she would mentor the provincial governments.
Malaria is the fourth most prevalent infectious disease in Indonesia, with an average of 500 thousand cases and 150 deaths recorded per year. Notably, 407 out of 514 Indonesian districts and cities have been declared malaria-free so far.
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Translator: Ni Putu P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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