Analysis of Public Health Policy in the Management of Tropical Diseases in West Papua and Central Maluku

Abstract

Tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue fever (DHF), and filariasis remain a significant public health burden in West Papua and Central Maluku. These regions face complex challenges due to remote geography, limited health infrastructure, and socio-cultural diversity that impact access to and adherence to health interventions. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of public health policies in mitigating tropical diseases in both regions from 2020 to 2024. Using a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, the study integrates surveillance data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, reports from regional health offices, and field findings from previous studies. The results show that malaria cases have dropped by 27% in West Papua and 22% in Central Maluku. However, the number of DHF cases is still a concern. Fogging and vaccination coverage remain uneven, particularly in remote areas. Policy analysis reveals delays in budget distribution, weak interagency coordination, and a lack of involvement of traditional leaders in health campaigns. This article recommends strengthening community-based surveillance systems, decentralizing health responses, and integrating local knowledge into policy planning. These findings provide a strong foundation for improving national strategies for managing tropical diseases in underserved regions.