PROGRAM EDUKASI PARTISIPATIF UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN DETEKSI DINI DAN PENCEGAHAN MALARIA DI DAERAH ENDEMIS

Abstract

Malaria merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan utama masyarakat di daerah endemis Indonesia yang
berdampak pada tingginya angka kesakitan, kematian dan menurunkan produktivitas masyarakat.
Rendahnya pemahaman tentang deteksi dini gejala serta praktik pencegahan menjadi hambatan dalam
upaya eliminasi malaria. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas
masyarakat melalui program edukasi partisipatif yang menekankan pemberdayaan komunitas. Program
dilaksanakan di wilayah endemis dengan melibatkan kelompok masyarakat berisiko tinggi. Intervensi
berupa penyuluhan terstruktur, diskusi kelompok, serta pelatihan praktis mengenai deteksi dini gejala
malaria dan pencegahan berbasis rumah tangga. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui pre-post test dan observasi
perilaku. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan dalam pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai transmisi
malaria, kemampuan mengenali gejala dini, serta praktik pencegahan, seperti penggunaan kelambu
berinsektisida dan pencarian pengobatan lebih cepat. Kegiatan ini tidak hanya meningkatkan kesadaran,
tetapi juga menumbuhkan kemandirian masyarakat dalam pengendalian malaria. Program edukasi
partisipatif ini berpotensi mendukung keberlanjutan upaya eliminasi malaria nasional melalui penguatan
peran serta masyarakat.

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health problem in endemic areas of Indonesia, contributing to high
morbidity, mortality, and reduced community productivity. Limited knowledge of early detection and
effective prevention strategies is a key barrier to malaria control and elimination efforts. This community
engagement program aimed to enhance community capacity through a participatory health education
approach. The program was conducted in a malaria-endemic region by involving high-risk community
groups. Interventions included structured health education sessions, participatory group discussions, and
hands-on training on early symptom detection and household-based prevention practices. Evaluation was
carried out using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and behavioral observations. The program
demonstrated significant improvements in community knowledge of malaria transmission, recognition of
early symptoms, and adoption of preventive practices, such as consistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets and timely healthcare-seeking behavior. Beyond increasing awareness, the program fostered
community empowerment and self-reliance in malaria prevention and control. The findings suggest that
participatory education programs are effective and sustainable strategies to support Indonesia’s national
malaria elimination agenda through strengthening community involvement.