The city of Denpasar is taking significant steps to combat the pressing issues of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM). On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa presided over a crucial coordination meeting at Hotel Puri Ayu, gathering cross-sector institutions to establish a unified strategy for addressing these diseases.
The meeting included prominent figures in local health governance, such as I Ketut Adnyana Putra, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Denpasar, A.A Ayu Agung Candrawati, the Head of the Denpasar Health Office, and A.A Ketut Sudiana, the Head of the Majelis Desa Adat (MDA). This diverse group underscores the collaborative effort necessary to tackle ATM effectively.
Arya Wibawa emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach among various sectors, stating, "The control of ATM is a national agenda as per Presidential Regulation No. 67 of 2021, with a target for Denpasar to be free from ATM cases by 2030." His vision for Denpasar aligns with the Indonesian government’s commitment to improving public health nationwide.
According to statistics presented during the meeting, Denpasar had reported 14,423 cases of ATM by December 2024, with a worrisome 95 percent of these cases involving individuals of productive age. This demographic insight highlights a critical area for intervention since a significant portion of the population is directly affected, which could have broad socio-economic implications.
Moreover, Arya Wibawa pointed out that beyond just healthcare concerns, issues like social stigma around disease may hinder effective screening and treatment efforts. He stated, "We hope to encourage all sectors – both governmental and non-governmental organizations – to work together to inform the Denpasar Health Office if they encounter ATM patients in their neighborhoods, so that these individuals can receive appropriate health care at designated health facilities."
The meeting aimed to foster commitment across various stakeholders, as Nyoman Dana, the Head of Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases (P2P) in Denpasar, articulated. He described the gathering's goal, explaining, "The aim of this activity is to sign a joint commitment across sectors in efforts to control ATM in Denpasar." This commitment will initiate unified actions from the municipal level down to local communities.
Nyoman Dana further elaborated on the strategies discussed for effective control of ATM, which would involve direct involvement from both medical and non-medical sectors, including educational outreach within schools and traditional village settings. He stated, "The control efforts will begin with united commitments from city and village levels, focusing on socialization and education to prevent ATM cases."
This comprehensive approach not only aims to increase awareness about ATM but also addresses the need for community-level engagement. The inclusion of non-medical stakeholders is a progressive step that recognizes the complexities of public health, particularly in regions where cultural beliefs and practices might intersect with health-related behaviors.
The coordination meeting signifies a proactive stance by the local government towards a more inclusive model of health management. By involving various entities in this mission, Denpasar aims to create a supportive network that addresses both the disease's medical aspects and the underlying social challenges that exacerbate these health issues.
Arya Wibawa's leadership in this initiative illustrates the local government's recognition of the urgent need for a united front against the spread of ATM. The challenges ahead are acknowledged, but the commitment from various sectors inspires optimism as Denpasar strives towards its goal of significantly reducing – and eventually eliminating – ATM cases.
The Deputy Mayor stated, "With collective efforts and a clear strategy, we can envision a Denpasar free from ATM by the year 2030. We urge everyone involved in this fight for our community's health to step forward and contribute. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make a difference." This resolute call to action aims to galvanize community involvement and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to health.
As the meeting concluded, it became evident that this collaboration, if executed effectively, could indeed pave the way for a healthier future for Denpasar. The road ahead may be arduous, but with a focused strategy and commitment from all sectors, the dream of a city free from the burdens of ATM becomes a viable reality.
