Mataram, University of Mataram – Dr. Astri Ferdiana, MPH, Ph.D., a lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), University of Mataram (Unram), had the opportunity to present her research about malaria at the International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) held in Kuching, Malaysia, on September 18-23, 2024.

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Malaria is still a significant public health problem in Indonesia, especially in eastern regions such as Tanah Papua and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Early detection and prompt treatment are key to achieving malaria elimination. Currently, Indonesia uses Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACTs) as malaria treatment, prescribed by doctors at health centers or hospitals after laboratory confirmation.

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The research presented by Dr. Astri focused on the analysis of ACTs prescribing in community health centers and hospitals in Papua and NTT. In the study, it was found that there are still many ACTs prescriptions that are not fully in line with national guidelines. Based on this finding, Dr. Astri recommended the need to improve the quality of ACTs prescribing through strengthening the capacity of health workers and further monitoring the quality of ACTs prescribing.