UNAIR NEWS – In supporting the National Child Immunization Month (BIAN), Surabaya Health Office requested support for BIAN Sweeping Implementation to Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). Responding to the request, UNAIR held a thematic community service program (KKN) on BIAN 2022 from September 8-12, 2022, in public healthcare centers (Puskesmas) across Surabaya.
Four hundred fifty students from various majors and faculties collaborated and took part in searching for children aged 9-59 months who have not been immunized at the Puskesmas. The BIAN 2022 thematic KKN targeted 55 prioritized Puskesmas, which have not met the minimum target of 95 percent from the projection target issued by the Directorate General of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. The targeted Puskesmas are Puskesmas Benowo, Puskesmas Bangkingan, Puskesmas Mojo, and Puskesmas Tanjungsari.
Head of UNAIR Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM), Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari dr MKes opened the BIAN 2022 Thematic KKN agenda at an online briefing on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. She congratulated the 450 students who passed the selection. Thematic KKN is equal to regular KKN (KKN-BBM). Students who have already joined thematic KKN will no longer be obliged to conduct another conventional KKN next year.
“Universitas Airlangga must be ready and responsive in any situation around us. As our campus is located in Surabaya, the city dynamics must be well-understood by UNAIR students,” said Dr. Gadis.
The Head of UNAIR LPPM said that the thematic KKN was held at a national level. BIAN was conducted for a month in August. However, the progress has not been optimal in Surabaya. It encouraged the regional government of Surabaya to partner up with UNAIR to achieve the target.
“This is the opportunity to dedicate yourself according to your field of study for the community,” she said.
The student’s duty is to help motivate the toddlers’ parents to get immunization immediately. Technically, they will work together with the health officials to assist the community.
Dr. Gadis hoped that the agenda would run smoothly so that the children’s immunization target could be achieved. “Hopefully, it can go well. Wishing all the KKN participants good health and carrying out the project successfully,” she ended.
Author: Dewi Yugi Arti
Editor: Feri Fenoria
