Malaria's Border Struggle: A Tale of Two Islands

In the heart of Southeast Asia, a stark contrast exists between two neighboring regions. One side, Indonesian Kalimantan, is making significant strides towards eradicating malaria. The other, Malaysian Borneo, is grappling with a high prevalence of Plasmodium knowlesi infections. This discrepancy raises important questions about community awareness and preventive measures. The Indonesian government has set an ambitious goal: to completely eliminate malaria by 2030. This is not just a dream. It is a plan backed by national strategies and policies. The Ministry of Health has already certified several areas, including parts of Kalimantan, as malaria-free. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the disease's historical prevalence in the region. However, the situation in Malaysian Borneo paints a different picture. There, Plasmodium knowlesi infections are rampant, with a prevalence rate of 18. 9%, totaling 3290 cases. This is a significant public health concern, especially given the potential for zoonotic transmission. Understanding how communities along the Kalimantan border perceive and prevent malaria is crucial. It is the key to maintaining low endemicity (API