Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Implementation Science Leadership Fellowship Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK–KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada, supported by the World Health Organization’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO–TDR), successfully conducted the Induction Program to the Wolbachia Project on 16 and 19 June 2025. This four-day program served as a comprehensive orientation for fellows before they embark on their upcoming fieldwork in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, blending classroom-based learning, laboratory immersion, and site visits to ensure full readiness for the complex realities of community-based vector control interventions.
The program was hosted at two key research and innovation facilities: the Center for Tropical Medicine (Pusat Kedokteran Tropis, PKT) FK-KMK UGM and the UGM Science Techno Park. Both locations hold critical roles in advancing health research and innovation in Indonesia. PKT serves as a national reference center for tropical disease research and a training ground for public health professionals, while the Science Techno Park (laboratory from Eliminate Dengue Project/EDP) acts as a hub for translating laboratory findings into scalable, real-world solutions.
The induction program had multiple objectives. Firstly, it aimed to introduce the fellows to PKT as one of their future internship sites, providing them with an understanding of its organizational structure, research facilities, and collaborative networks. Secondly, it offered a deep dive into the Wolbachia method a groundbreaking approach in controlling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector of dengue fever, by infecting them with Wolbachia bacteria. This bacterium reduces the mosquitoes’ ability to transmit dengue, offering an environmentally sustainable and community-friendly alternative to conventional chemical-based vector control methods. Throughout the induction program, the fellows were mentored by Dr. drh. Vincentius Arca, Research Manager at PKT FK-KMK UGM, who provided expert guidance on both scientific methodologies and the practical realities of implementing health interventions in community settings. The fellows also worked closely with the dedicated Wolbachia Project team, who shared valuable insights into the technical and social dimensions of the project.
The schedule was carefully designed to provide a balanced mix of theory and practice. In the laboratory sessions, fellows observed the controlled breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia, learned about diagnostic techniques for detecting the bacteria, and studied quality control measures to ensure the mosquitoes’ fitness and effectiveness. They also explored the workflow that transitions from laboratory rearing to strategic deployment in the field a process that requires meticulous planning, scientific precision, and strong community cooperation. Beyond the laboratory, fellows visited sites where Wolbachia-infected mosquito eggs are distributed to local communities. Here, they learned about the importance of building trust and engaging residents in the process. Such social engagement is a cornerstone of the Wolbachia strategy, as community acceptance directly influences the sustainability and success of the intervention. The fellows discussed with field staff the challenges encountered in gaining public understanding, addressing misinformation, and maintaining continuous communication with residents.
The induction was conducted entirely offline (luring), which allowed the fellows to fully immerse themselves in hands-on learning. This in-person approach proved crucial for building rapport with mentors, observing intricate laboratory processes, and developing the interpersonal skills necessary for effective community engagement. By the end of the program, participants had gained not only scientific and technical competencies but also the confidence to represent the project in diverse cultural contexts. In a broader perspective, the Induction Program to the Wolbachia Project directly supports global public health priorities. Its focus on dengue prevention contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which calls for ending epidemics of communicable diseases, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The program embodies the principles of sustainable health interventions: it prioritizes evidence-based strategies, respects environmental integrity, and engages communities as active partners in their own health protection.
By equipping fellows with a comprehensive understanding of both scientific and social aspects of disease control, the program ensures that future interventions will be informed, ethical, and impactful. The collaborative spirit between fellows, researchers, and communities nurtured during this induction will serve as a strong foundation for future work not only in combating dengue but also in addressing other pressing health threats in tropical and subtropical regions.
Writer: Fikri Wahiddinsyah
ada lab nyamuk ber-Wolbachia… Tolong adjust yah maas