PROGRAM EDUKASI PARTISIPATIF UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN DETEKSI DINI DAN PENCEGAHAN MALARIA DI DAERAH ENDEMIS - Humairah Medina Liza Lubis; Ilham Jaya Kesuma; Silvy Claresta Febryandani; Nasha Riaulina; Rega Hamdana; Tamara Marwiyah Sitorus; M. Iqbal Prayoga; M. Rafli Karo Karo; Muhammad Rifandi; Raja Firdaus; Salsalina Dwi Arifin; Khofifah Dwi R; Dwi Anriani; M. Nabiel Rijzhega; M. Farhan Azura; Rafi Hanif Hasibuan (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat Universitas Negeri Jakarta, 2025)
Malaria merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan utama masyarakat di daerah endemis Indonesia yangberdampak pada tingginya angka kesakitan, kematian dan menurunkan produktivitas masyarakat.Rendahnya pemahaman tentang deteksi dini gejala serta praktik pencegahan menjadi hambatan dalamupaya eliminasi malaria. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitasmasyarakat melalui program edukasi partisipatif yang menekankan pemberdayaan komunitas. Programdilaksanakan di wilayah endemis dengan melibatkan kelompok masyarakat berisiko tinggi. Intervensiberupa penyuluhan terstruktur, diskusi kelompok, serta pelatihan praktis mengenai deteksi dini gejalamalaria dan pencegahan berbasis rumah tangga. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui pre-post test dan observasiperilaku. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan dalam pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai transmisimalaria, kemampuan mengenali gejala dini, serta praktik pencegahan, seperti penggunaan kelambuberinsektisida dan pencarian pengobatan lebih cepat. Kegiatan ini tidak hanya meningkatkan kesadaran,tetapi juga menumbuhkan kemandirian masyarakat dalam pengendalian malaria. Program edukasipartisipatif ini berpotensi mendukung keberlanjutan upaya eliminasi malaria nasional melalui penguatanperan serta masyarakat. Abstract Malaria remains a major public health problem in endemic areas of Indonesia, contributing to highmorbidity, mortality, and reduced community productivity. Limited knowledge of early detection andeffective prevention strategies is a key barrier to malaria control and elimination efforts. This communityengagement program aimed to enhance community capacity through a participatory health educationapproach. The program was conducted in a malaria-endemic region by involving high-risk communitygroups. Interventions included structured health education sessions, participatory group discussions, andhands-on training on early symptom detection and household-based prevention practices. Evaluation wascarried out using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and behavioral observations. The programdemonstrated significant improvements in community knowledge of malaria transmission, recognition ofearly symptoms, and adoption of preventive practices, such as consistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets and timely healthcare-seeking behavior. Beyond increasing awareness, the program fosteredcommunity empowerment and self-reliance in malaria prevention and control. The findings suggest thatparticipatory education programs are effective and sustainable strategies to support Indonesia’s nationalmalaria elimination agenda through strengthening community involvement.