Abstract
Background The Menoreh Hills region is one of the few remaining foci of persistent endemic malaria bordering three districts of two provinces in Java, Indonesia. Despite commitment to build a partnership to eliminate cross-border malaria, there is a lack of understanding of how this partnership might be translated into an implementable strategic plan. The study aims to provide evidence as to how a participatory approach was used to strengthen cross-border partnership and stakeholders’ capacity to develop a joint strategic, operational, and costing plan for cross-border malaria elimination.MethodsWe performed a participatory action research involving participants from village, district, provincial, and national level This study was conducted in seven phases as follows: (1) scientific literature and administrative data review, (2) focus group discussions with stakeholders at district to identify priority problems in malaria control, (3) joint consultation at district level to prioritize problems and formulate intervention, (4) costing study (5) joint consultation with national and provincial stakeholders (6) finalization of joint strategic, operational plan with costing study, and (7) dissemination to stakeholders.ResultsProblems identified by stakeholders were low community awareness and participation in malaria prevention, high mobility across three districts, lack of financial, human resources, lack of inter-district coordination, and poor implementation of migration surveillance. Cross-border strategies identified to address malaria were improving cross-border migration surveillance, strengthening the network, governance, and advocacy of malaria control implementation across borders, and development of malaria information system. A working group, composed of the three districts representatives authorized to make decisions for cross-border issues will be created.ConclusionParticipatory approach was applicable in cross-border malaria planning for within-country settings and useful in enhancing stakeholders’ capacities as implementer. While done in a participatory way, the joint plan crafted was a non-binding agreement; stakeholders should advocate to ensure adequate funds are poured to mobilize the plan.