Heru Subaris Kasjono, Yamtana, Sugianto, Ratna Etika Sintawati

Community Engagement Approach to Successful Malaria Elimination in Kulon Progo District

Introduction

Community engagement approach to successful malaria elimination in kulon progo district. Effective malaria elimination in Kulon Progo, Indonesia, relies on community engagement. This study shows participation, knowledge, and collaboration drive sustainable environmental improvements.

Abstract

This study, conducted in October–November 2024 in Kulon Progo Regency, Indonesia, explores a model of community engagement in supporting malaria elimination in high-case areas. Although malaria remains prevalent in eastern Indonesia, cases continue to occur in Java, including Kulon Progo. Using mixed-methods sequential exploratory design, this study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through observations, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and questionnaires, involving 200 participants—comprising 100 village officials and 100 community health cadres and members. Quantitative data were analyzed using univariate analysis and path analysis. Findings revealed that knowledge and attitudes significantly affect community participation in malaria elimination activities, such as mosquito breeding site eradication and clean-up programs. The path coefficient score (13.93) indicates that community engagement has a strong influence on environmental improvement. Moreover, cross-sector collaboration enhances program effectiveness. This engagement model demonstrates significant potential in strengthening sustainable malaria elimination efforts in endemic-prone areas.

Review

This study presents a highly relevant and timely investigation into community engagement as a pivotal strategy for malaria elimination in Kulon Progo District, Indonesia. The choice of Kulon Progo, a region in Java where malaria cases persist despite broader national declines, underscores the practical significance of the research. The strengths of the methodology are immediately apparent, with a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design employing a comprehensive array of data collection techniques, including observations, interviews, FGDs, and questionnaires. The diverse participant base, comprising 100 village officials and 100 community health cadres and members, ensures a rich and multi-faceted understanding of local dynamics, which is crucial for successful community-based interventions. The findings eloquently highlight the critical pathways through which community engagement contributes to malaria elimination. The study effectively demonstrates that both knowledge and attitudes are significant determinants of community participation in essential activities such as mosquito breeding site eradication and clean-up programs. Quantitatively, the reported path coefficient of 13.93 provides compelling evidence for the strong influence of community engagement on environmental improvement, a cornerstone of vector control. Furthermore, the emphasis on cross-sector collaboration as a factor enhancing program effectiveness is a crucial insight, reinforcing the need for integrated approaches to public health challenges. Overall, this research offers significant contributions to the field of public health and malaria control. The developed engagement model demonstrates substantial potential for strengthening sustainable malaria elimination efforts, not only within Kulon Progo but also for informing strategies in other endemic-prone areas. The actionable findings, particularly the clear links between engagement, environmental improvement, and program effectiveness, provide valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners. This study is well-conceived, rigorously executed, and presents compelling evidence that warrants dissemination, offering practical implications for enhancing community participation in achieving ambitious public health goals.

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