Mitigating Risks of Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases in the New Capital City of Indonesia
A new study, published in Nature Communications journal, emphasizes efforts to mitigate the risks of Malaria and other vector-borne diseases, such as Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and Japanese Encephalitis transmission. The study, titled "Mitigating Risks of Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases in the New Capital City of Indonesia", was led by Dr. Henry Surendra, Associate Professor and coordinator of the Master of Public Health program at Monash University, Indonesia. This study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Iqbal Elyazar, senior researcher and Geospatial and Epidemiology Program Manager at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Indonesia, Dr. Kimberly Fornace, Associate Professor and Co-lead of the Climate, Environment, and Health Program at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore. The study also involved key stakeholders from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, WHO Indonesia, and UNICEF Indonesia.
Dr. Helen Prameswari, National Malaria Program Manager at the Ministry of Health, highlighted ongoing efforts to mitigate malaria risks in IKN despite current transmission control success. "The Ministry of Health, together with the IKN Authority and local governments, remains committed to reducing malaria cases," she explained. "In May, we established the Malaria Free Task Force, which focuses on protecting vulnerable groups, including construction workers, migrant laborers, and forestry workers. Cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, from the national to the regional level, is vital for achieving our goals."
To enhance efforts in controlling malaria and other vector-borne diseases, Henry and his team recommend further research to examine the impact of environmental changes, vector behavior, and human mobility on disease transmission. Leveraging advancements in technology, such as satellite imagery and AI tools, could enable real-time monitoring and provide insights to improve spatial planning, reducing health risks in urban developments like IKN.
Implications of relocation of Indonesian capital city from Jakarta to Kalimantan
"The large-scale development of IKN and its potential impact on East Kalimantan necessitate cross-border cooperation with neighboring provinces and countries. A multidisciplinary approach is vital to effectively tackle the interconnected health, ecological, and social challenges," stated Henry.
"Our focus on pressing issues like malaria elimination aims to drive research-based policies that can bring significant regional transformations. The goal of achieving a malaria-free Indonesia by 2030 reinforces the urgency of adaptive strategies and calls for a more collaborative and data-driven approach to combating malaria nationwide," explained senior researcher Dr. Iqbal Elyazar.
Echoing the same optimism, Alex Lechner, Vice President of Research, Monash University, Indonesia, remarked, "The challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change are especially pronounced in malaria-prone regions like Indonesia. To mitigate the health and environmental impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects such as IKN, collaborative research and innovative approaches are critical. At Monash University, Indonesia, we are dedicated to combining urban design with ecological and health considerations to create sustainable and resilient communities."
To conclude, the IKN development showcases a valuable opportunity to embed infectious disease surveillance and control within large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The proactive steps taken can act as a benchmark for capital city projects worldwide that face comparable environmental challenges. Additionally, these measures can serve as a framework for other cities to manage infectious disease risks while encouraging sustainable urban development.
Click here to read the full article, "Mitigating Risks of Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases in the New Capital City of Indonesia."
Authors: Henry Surendra, Bimandra A Djaafara, Helen D Prameswari, Dedy Supriyanto, Ponco Waluyo, Setyo B Basuki, Herdiana Herdiana, Ermi Ndoen, Siswanto Siswanto, Inke ND Lubis, Xiaoyue Liu, Swapnil Mishra, Kimberly M Fornace, and Iqbal RF Elyazar.