Researchers from the UBUAMA (Uncovering the Burden of Asymptomatic Malaria) project, in collaboration with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and EHI, are preparing a study to advance knowledge on the impact of asymptomatic malaria infections that still affect communities. The study will take place in Timika, Papua, working closely with local partners including YPKMP, Puskesmas Timika Jaya, and Kelurahan Karang Senang.
To support this effort, EHI and ITB teams visited several institutions in Mimika Regency from July 19 to 24, 2025, to present their research plans and secure official permissions. Meetings with the Mimika Health Office (Dinkes) and local health centers resulted in positive responses and approval for the study, which will run from August to November 2025. Local health centers also welcomed the opportunity to align the research with existing programs such as Kaka Sehat, which brings malaria testing directly to households.
Additionally, the team secured approval to use advanced laboratory equipment from Community Health Development and Public Health & Malaria Control (CPHMC-PTFI) and will provide knowledge transfer to their molecular entomology team. Community health workers (Kader) in Karang Senang will also assist with field activities, ensuring close collaboration with the local community. With these approvals in place, the UBUAMA research is set to move forward, contributing important knowledge toward malaria control and elimination in Papua. EHI believes that strong collaboration with local partners and communities is key to creating lasting impact in the fight against malaria.
