UNAIR NEWS Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, including in Indonesia. Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the disease affects not only individuals of productive age but also vulnerable populations such as older adults. Indonesia currently ranks second globally in TB cases after India, with an estimated 1.09 million cases reported each year.
In response, a group of students from the Faculty of Medicine at 51动漫 (FK ) launched a community service initiative titled 淗ealthy Together, Happy Forever: Tuberculosis-Free Elderly Education in Surabaya and Malaysia. The program is part of the KKN Penyetaraan initiative and emphasizes not only health education but also cross-institutional and international collaboration.
One of the program檚 primary locations was the Jambangan Elderly Home in Surabaya, which houses approximately 185 residents. At this stage of life, natural declines in immune function increase susceptibility to infectious diseases, including TB. Through interactive and educational activities, the students provided guidance on maintaining physical fitness, recognizing TB symptoms, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices.
The educational sessions used a poster titled 淗ealthy Together, Happy Forever, designed in simple language to ensure it was easily understood by older participants. In addition to health education, the program included elderly exercise sessions and educational games aimed at encouraging physical activity while creating an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. Regular physical activity is known to strengthen immunity and improve quality of life among older adults.
Beyond education, the initiative also incorporated Active Case Finding (ACF) through community-based TB screening. In collaboration with the Surabaya City Health Office and local community health centers, the students took part in screening activities in Mulyorejo and Dupak districts. The process included symptom interviews, height and weight measurements, and radiological examinations using portable chest X-ray devices. The results were then analyzed to determine follow-up actions for individuals identified as at risk or showing signs of TB. This screening effort is particularly critical, as Surabaya remains one of the areas with a relatively high number of TB cases in East Java. Early detection enables patients to receive timely treatment, helping reduce transmission rates.
The program also extended beyond Indonesia through an international collaboration with Management and Science University (MSU) in Selangor, Malaysia. At the university, UNAIR students delivered educational sessions on TB to local students using a leaflet titled 淕et to Know TB. The initiative aimed to improve health literacy among young people while encouraging them to become agents of change in preventing TB within their communities. This cross-border collaboration also facilitated knowledge exchange on healthcare systems, including community health services and disease management practices in Malaysia.
The 淗ealthy Together, Happy Forever initiative not only delivered direct benefits to the community but also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program supports SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through promotive and preventive measures aimed at improving public health and reducing TB transmission. Additionally, collaboration among students, local government, alumni, and international institutions reflects the implementation of SDGs 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.
Through this initiative, students gained practical experience beyond the classroom by engaging directly with communities and addressing real-world health issues. The experience strengthened their communication skills, teamwork, and ability to deliver health education to diverse groups. Moving forward, similar programs are expected to expand and reach more communities, contributing to Indonesia檚 goal of eliminating TB by 2030. With a strong spirit of collaboration and social responsibility, FK UNAIR students demonstrate that even small-scale efforts in education and health screening can generate meaningful impact toward building a healthier society.
Author : Nabila Aurellia Talitha and Annora Athalia Salienka
