DESCRIPTION OF MALARIA INCIDENCE IN RIAU PROVINCE IN 2024

Abstract

Malaria remains a global and national public health problem, including in Indonesia. Although there has been a decline in cases nationally, several regions continue to report persistent malaria transmission. Riau Province is one of the areas with environmental characteristics that potentially support malaria transmission. This study employed a descriptive observational design with a retrospective approach. The data used were secondary data on malaria cases in Riau Province in 2024, obtained from the surveillance system of the Provincial Health Office. Descriptive analysis was conducted to illustrate the distribution of malaria cases by district/city. The results showed that the distribution of malaria cases in Riau Province was uneven. Rokan Hilir Regency recorded the highest number of cases compared to other regions, while most districts/cities reported low or zero malaria cases. This pattern indicates that malaria transmission is concentrated in specific areas. The high number of malaria cases in Rokan Hilir is associated with environmental characteristics such as swampy and coastal areas that provide suitable habitats for malaria vectors, as well as high population mobility. These conditions pose challenges to malaria elimination efforts at the local level. In conclusion, malaria in Riau Province in 2024 remains localized, with case concentrations in particular areas. Strengthening area-based and context-specific malaria control strategies is essential to support the acceleration of malaria elimination.