Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in South Papua, Indonesia, particularly in endemic areas with persistent transmission and severe geographical constraints. This study aimed to explore the implementation of community-based promotive and preventive malaria control programs in the working area of Mindiptana Public Health Center, Boven Digoel Regency. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to understand the experiences and perceptions of stakeholders involved in malaria control. A total of 36 informants participated in the study, including one policymaker, four healthcare workers, twenty-six malaria cadres and five community leaders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, document reviews and photovoice techniques and were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. Four major themes emerged: community awareness of malaria, environmental risk conditions, the role of malaria cadres and local leaders and barriers to program implementation. The findings showed that health education, distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and the active involvement of malaria cadres and local leaders contributed positively to malaria prevention efforts. However, preventive practices such as consistent bed-net use remained inconsistent due to sociocultural beliefs, nighttime outdoor activities, geographical barriers, limited resources and logistical constraints. socioeconomically disadvantaged households and geographically isolated riverine villages were disproportionately affected by delayed care and persistent transmission. Strengthening malaria cadres, continuous culturally adapted health promotion, local breeding site management, improved logistical support and community empowerment are recommended to enhance sustainable malaria elimination in high-endemic remote settings.
Keywords: Community-based Intervention, Health Promotion, Malaria, Malaria Control, Prevention, South Papua.