Orevention Strategies of Malaria in Indonesia

Malaria in Indonesia

As a widespread unremitting communicable disease, malaria poses a global health concern with millions dying annually from the disease (World Health Organization [WHO], 2011). Among the countries within the South-East Asia, Indonesia shows significant infection trends. Compared to its neighboring countries, Indonesia’s healthcare situation is relatively poorer (Saadah & Knowles, 2000). Environmental factors, resistant strains of malaria parasites, ineffective treatment and inadequate preventative measures contribute to the persistence of this lethal epidemic. In an effort to identify key prevention strategies to deter malaria in Indonesia, it is essential to discuss the prevalence, contributing factors, and disease control efforts.

Background

Across Indonesia, malaria has proven to be a real public health menace with millions of clinical cases documented annually (Snow, Guerra, Noor, Myint, & Hay, 2005). Malaria has been cited as the fourth leading cause of death in children in developing countries like Indonesia (Snow et al., 2005). These figures are alarming especially with relentless control efforts and the unprecedented amount of funds allocated toward such efforts. The impact of malaria has had severe financial implications in Indonesia, slowing financial growth and only exacerbating the current state of poverty. In 2006, it was estimated that there were 2.5 million cases of malaria in Indonesia (WHO, 2011). Incidentally, the life expectancy of the Indonesian adult is 69 years for men and 74 years for female (CDC, 2012).

Environmental and socioeconomic factors have significantly contributed to new malaria transmission cases across Indonesia. Such factors such as rainfall, wind patterns, temperatu...

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...laria. However, with thousands still succumbing to the disease every year, national legislative efforts must focus on funding disease control endeavors. With insufficient funding, the progress made in reducing the spread of malaria in Indonesia may prove to be futile. Political awareness of this economic shortage is urgently needed to sustain the decline of this disease, especially with the emergence of drug resistance. Community efforts to create public awareness on malaria will foster compliance with primary prevention and treatment. More importantly, policy planners must focus on launching efficacious control programs that acknowledge the poor socioeconomic status of malaria infested areas. Collaborative efforts to secure funding for continued evidence-based research and practice is the best approach to minimize and eventually eliminate malaria from Indonesia.