The Urgency of Preventing the Spread of Malaria in Marisa Village, Pohuwato District, Popayato Timur Sub-District

Urgensi Pencegahan Penyebaran Penyakit Malaria di Desa Marisa Kabupaten Pohuwato Kecamatan Popayato Timur

Abstract

Thematic Social Work Lecture Program (KKS-T) of the State Islamic Religious Institution Sultan Amai Gorontalo in Marisa Village, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province, carried out socialization of malaria prevention as a form of community service based on the tridharma of higher education. This activity was motivated by the high number of malaria cases in Indonesia which reached 543,965 cases in 2024, with Marisa Village as one of the endemic areas. Using a qualitative descriptive method with a participatory approach, this program involved around 50 residents in a series of activities for two days (March 25-26, 2025) which included socialization at the village office and environmental action. The results showed a significant increase in community understanding from 50% to 95% about malaria prevention, supported by the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the planting of 150 stalks of citronella as a natural repellent. This program succeeded in forming a group of malaria cadres and increasing community participation in community service to clean the environment. These findings prove the effectiveness of an educational approach combined with concrete interventions (mosquito nets and mosquito repellent plants) in accordance with Manson's theory of malaria vectors, the guidelines of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, and Sitompul's (2021) research on the benefits of citronella. This program not only increases health awareness but also creates sustainable behavioral changes in malaria prevention in Marisa Village.