UNAIR NEWS – As part of its commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in community engagement, the Department/Medical Staff Group (KSM) of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), in collaboration with Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya, organized a community service program titled “Implementing Scabies Education for Boarding School Students.”
Head of the Community Service Team, Dr. Hasnikmah Mappamasing, Sp.DVE (Subsp.DT, M.Kes), explained that this initiative reflects the university’s mission to apply academic expertise for the benefit of society. “Community service is one of the three pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, alongside education and research,” she said.
“The data shows the highest scabies prevalence among individuals under the age of 20,” she added. She expressed hope that this effort will contribute to the government’s goal of achieving a Scabies-Free Indonesia by 2030.
Raising scabies awareness
The event took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Assalafi Al Fithrah Islamic Boarding School in East Surabaya, led by Ustaz Nashiruddin, S.Ud., M.Pd. Its primary aim was to improve understanding, awareness, and prevention of scabies, commonly known as itch mites, particularly in densely populated environments that pose a high risk for the spread of contagious skin diseases.
The program began with participant registration, distribution of pre-test questionnaires, and small giveaways. The audience included students, school administrators, nearby residents, and medical and academic staff from DVE Department of UNAIR and Dr. Soetomo Hospital. This event was also part of an international community service program, involving students from Erasmus University.
The head of the boarding school, Ustaz Nashiruddin, expressed his gratitude for UNAIR’s concern for the students’ health, hoping the initiative would pave the way for continued collaboration between the boarding school and the university’s medical faculty.
Promoting skin health through education
Head of UNAIR and Dr. Soetomo Hospital’s DVE Department, Dr. Diah Mira Indramaya, Sp.DVE (Subsp.DKE), emphasized that scabies remains an often-overlooked public health issue, particularly in overcrowded living environments. She underscored the importance of maintaining Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) as the primary approach to preventing infectious skin diseases. She also commended the organizers and participants for their active involvement.
Lisca Rijn, representing Erasmus University, also delivered remarks, highlighting the value of international collaboration in promoting community-based medical education programs that directly benefit the public. She additionally took part in conducting scabies screenings for attendees.
The main educational segment consisted of two sessions. Dr. Septiana Widyantari, Sp.DVE (Subsp.Ven), presented “Understanding Scabies: More Than Just an Itch,” explaining the causes, distinctive symptoms such as nighttime itching, and rapid transmission through direct contact or shared personal items. She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent secondary infections.
Following that, Dr. Yuri Widia, Sp.DVE (Subsp.DA), presented “Prevent Scabies: Clean Living, Scabies-Free.” Her session covered practical prevention strategies, including maintaining clean bedding and clothing, bathing regularly, and ensuring simultaneous treatment for all household or dorm residents when one case is detected. She also underscored the importance of continuous education to foster good hygiene habits from an early age.
Enthusiastic participation
During the discussion session, participants eagerly asked about ways to prevent scabies both in dormitory and household settings, as well as how to distinguish scabies from other skin conditions like allergic dermatitis.
Active participants received prizes as a token of appreciation. At the event’s conclusion, participants completed post-test questionnaires to measure knowledge improvement. The UNAIR DVE Department also presented a token of appreciation to the boarding school, symbolizing the ongoing partnership. A group photo featuring the committee, speakers, participants, and guests concluded the event.
The DVE Department of UNAIR and Dr. Soetomo Hospital reaffirmed their commitment to continuing similar initiatives across various regions, with educational themes tailored to community needs. Through such programs, they aim to strengthen public awareness of personal and environmental hygiene and foster collaboration among academics, healthcare professionals, and communities to help reduce the prevalence of infectious skin diseases in Indonesia.
Author: Community service team
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
