Paraparatv.id | Mimika — An innovation in drone technology is set to take to the skies over Mimika Regency, Central Papua, as part of efforts to curb malaria outbreaks that continue to pose a threat to the Central Highlands of Papua.

In connection with this initiative, the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), in collaboration with the Mimika Regency Health Office, PT Freeport Indonesia, and the Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK), organized a drone utilization training program from 20–24 October 2025 in Timika, Mimika, to map the habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes.

The Chair of the SHIELD PAPUA initiative, Dr. Iqbal Elyazar, explained that the drones are equipped with high‑resolution aerial imagery, enabling easier identification of water bodies and breeding sites of malaria‑carrying mosquitoes.

The training materials covered hands‑on drone flight operations, image processing, and mapping of potential mosquito habitats as a basis for vector control interventions.

“The training participants come from the Mimika Regency Health Office, OUCRU Indonesia, PERDHAKI, community health centers (Puskesmas), local organizations in Mimika Regency, as well as private entities such as Freeport Indonesia through its malaria control partners,” Iqbal said in his press release on Wednesday (22/10/2025).

Dr. Iqbal Elyazar further added that drone‑based methods allow for broader and more accurate coverage compared to conventional approaches in monitoring and intervening against malaria mosquitoes.

Anrian Pah, Public Health Consultant at YPMAK, stated that the involvement of various national and international institutions strengthens the collective commitment to applying science and innovation to improve public health in Mimika.

Meanwhile, Kamaludin, Head of the Communicable Disease Control Section at the Mimika Health Office, noted that the results of the drone mapping would be used as a foundation for targeted larval control and insecticide spraying interventions.

Firdy Permana, Manager of Public Health and Malaria Control at PT Freeport Indonesia, emphasized that although the technology is already available, its effectiveness ultimately depends on field implementation and the sustainability of interventions.

This innovation is expected to accelerate efforts toward malaria pre‑elimination in Mimika, as declared by the local government. (Editorial)

Source: Teknologi Drone Dukung Pengendalian Malaria di Papua – Paraparatv.id