The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, organises a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Development of a Basic Microscopy MOOC Curriculum for Malaria Diagnosis for Medical Laboratory Technologists (ATLM) – Phase 3 from 22 to 24 April 2026 at the DPP PATELKI Office in East Jakarta. The programme forms part of efforts to support Indonesia’s Malaria Elimination target by 2030 through strengthening the capacity of Medical Laboratory Technologists (ATLM).

The development of this Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) focuses on strengthening fundamental competencies in malaria diagnosis, particularly in the preparation, staining, and interpretation of malaria blood smears. The curriculum aligns with the national malaria microscopy training modules and is developed through a collaborative approach involving government institutions, health organisations, professional associations, and international partners.

The series of FGDs discusses the development of the online course, preparation of core and foundational training materials, and quality management for malaria diagnostic laboratories. Topics include an overview of malaria, microscope use and maintenance, parasite identification and counting, the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), and strengthening quality assurance in malaria laboratories.

The programme involves various institutions, including the Directorate of Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization Indonesia, PATELKI, central public health laboratories, regional health offices, and other partner institutions. Representing OUCRU Indonesia, Lenny Ekawati participates as an FGD resource person and member of the MOOC curriculum development team for malaria microscopy.

Through the development of this online learning platform, access to malaria microscopy training is expected to become broader, more adaptive, and more sustainable in supporting the strengthening of malaria diagnostic systems in Indonesia.