UNAIR NEWS — The Faculty of Public Health (FKM) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing community health through its ongoing community service efforts. Most recently, the faculty carried out SEHATI MUNA, Sinergi Edukasi Kesehatan dan Gizi serta Pelayanan Prima, a program aimed at integrating nutrition and health education with improved service delivery. The initiative was conducted in Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Monday (Nov 3, 2025).
The program centers on two major components: boosting nutrition literacy and food safety awareness in schools, and elevating the quality of health services at local community clinics. The outreach team was led by Dr. Ernawaty, drg., M.Kes., with members Dr. Muji Sulistyowati, SKM., M.Kes.; Prof. Dr. Thinni Nurul Rochmah, Dra.Ec., M.Kes.; Mahmud Aditya Rifqi, S.Gz., M.Si., Ph.D.; Dr. Firman Suryadi Rahman, SKM., M.Epid.; and Tausyiah Rohmah Noviyanti, SKM., M.Kes.
Interactive nutrition and food safety education
One of the program’s key sites was SMAN 1 Raha, where the FKM team conducted a session titled “Food Safety Education Related to the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG).” The activity aimed to help students recognize the importance of consuming safe, healthy, and balanced meals.
SMAN 1 Raha Principal Achmad Djaya Adi expressed appreciation for the initiative. “We are truly grateful to the FKM UNAIR team. Food safety education is crucial for students, especially with the rollout of the MBG Program,” he said.
The instructional method used was far from traditional. Through an edutainment approach, blending education and entertainment, the team engaged students using a board game developed by FKM UNAIR students and designed with strong educational messages.
“With edutainment, students can grasp concepts more easily and feel more encouraged to apply them in daily life through activities that are both engaging and enjoyable,” explained Dr. Muji Sulistyowati, SKM., M.Kes., a health promotion lecturer at FKM UNAIR.
The innovative format also earned praise from Samudera Taufik, S.Gz., Secretary of the Muna Regency Health Office. “FKM UNAIR has proven that health education doesn’t need to be rigid. By connecting with teenagers’ interests, essential messages about nutrition and food safety can be delivered more effectively,” he said.
Excellent service training for health workers at Katobu Community Health Center
The second focus of SEHATI MUNA involves strengthening basic health services. For this purpose, FKM UNAIR held Excellent Service Training for health workers at Puskesmas Katobu.
Led by Dr. Ernawaty, drg., M.Kes., the training equipped health workers with skills in communication, empathy, and professional service ethics aimed at improving patient satisfaction. Head of Puskesmas Katobu Siti Zalia Ihu noted, “This training is incredibly valuable. We hope the knowledge gained can be applied directly to daily service routines.”
The training went beyond lectures, incorporating interactive simulations and role-play to help participants practice real-life scenarios in patient care. Prof. Dr. Thinni Nurul Rochmah, Dra.Ec., M.Kes., also facilitated a case study session featuring complex service challenges.
Synergy for long-term impact
SEHATI MUNA was designed with sustainability as a core principle. Beyond training sessions, the program produced concrete outputs such as permanent educational media for schools and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Excellent Service at the clinic.
Cross-sector collaboration between FKM UNAIR academics, the Muna Health Office, schools, and community clinics played a vital role in the program’s success. This synergy is expected to generate lasting impact by cultivating nutrition-aware youth and strengthening the quality of primary health services across Muna Regency.
Through this initiative, FKM UNAIR reinforces its role as an agent of change, an institution that not only prepares future health professionals but also actively empowers communities to pursue healthier lives.
Author: Dr Ernawaty drg MKes
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
