The commemoration of World Malaria Day on 25 April 2026 was marked by the closing ceremony and announcement of winners of the PlasmoDX Malaria Parasite Image Identification Competition 2026. Held at 14:00 WIB (16:00 WIT), the event not only concluded the competition series but also underscored the importance of digital innovation in strengthening the capacity of health workers in Indonesia, particularly in Tanah Papua.

The PlasmoDX competition was conducted online from 10 to 24 April 2026 and attracted 500 participants from 31 districts and municipalities. Most participants were from Tanah Papua, representing hospitals, primary healthcare centres, private laboratories, and universities. High levels of enthusiasm were evident, with some participants attempting the simulations dozens of times to improve their scores.

The Chair of the organising committee, Dr. Lenny Ekawati, explained that the competition was designed to enhance the precision of laboratory personnel in identifying malaria parasite species and developmental stages. Each participant completed 42 questions per session, with a time limit of 25 seconds per question, and was required to attempt at least three sessions. Scoring was conducted automatically based on accuracy and the average of the best results. This approach proved effective in improving both speed and accuracy in blood smear interpretation.

In his remarks, the Principal Investigator of SHIELD Papua, Dr. Iqbal Elyazar, highlighted that the competition represents a novel initiative—possibly the first online competition of its kind in Indonesia, and even in the Asia-Pacific region—focusing on malaria parasite identification. He expressed hope that the initiative would continue in the coming years, with expanded participation and potential cross-regional and international collaboration.

Support for this innovation was also conveyed by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. Representing the Directorate of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, dr. Febry Immanuella emphasised that rapid and accurate diagnosis is fundamental to malaria elimination. She commended the PlasmoDX platform as an innovative learning solution that addresses the limitations of conventional training while strengthening the capacity of laboratory personnel.

Similarly, the Acting Head of the Papua Provincial Health Office, dr. Beeri I.S. Wopari M.H.Sc., described PlasmoDX as a digital breakthrough aligned with national priorities to expand access to technology-based health services. He also encouraged more comprehensive planning and increased funding for future competitions, given their demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing laboratory competencies.

Beyond competition, the programme provided valuable learning experiences for participants. Several noted that the challenging and sometimes deceptive image-based questions demanded high levels of precision, ultimately serving as an effective training tool in recognising diverse malaria parasite forms.

At the culmination of the event, three winners were announced. First place was awarded to Ilham Munir from the Sarmi District Health Office with a score of 93.7 per cent. Second place went to Antoni Tulle from Meysa Clinic, Boven Digul, with 91.3 per cent, while third place was secured by Raifit from Mitra Masyarakat Clinic, Mimika, with 90.8 per cent.

In his remarks, Ilham Munir expressed gratitude and emphasised that the learning process is more important than the outcome. He encouraged fellow laboratory professionals to continue developing their skills and to embrace challenges in support of malaria elimination efforts.

With the conclusion of the PlasmoDX 2026 Competition, it is expected that such digital innovations will continue to be developed as part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to achieve malaria elimination by 2030. The occasion of World Malaria Day thus serves as a reminder that collaboration, innovation, and capacity-building remain central to achieving a malaria-free Indonesia. Please access the PlasmoDX application anytime via the following link: https://shieldpapua.id/diagnostic-simulator. Happy learning!