UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) remains deeply committed to enhancing public health through family-centered community engagement programs. A flagship initiative in this effort is the Family Based Healthy Mother and Child to Build Brilliant Generation (GELIAT Airlangga). This program is a collaborative venture between UNAIR and UNICEF, involving experts from various academic disciplines. Since its inception, GELIAT Airlangga has focused on four key areas: community service, capacity building, community empowerment, and strengthening healthcare referral systems.
Launched in 2015 as GELIAT UNAIR, the program was officially inaugurated by the East Java Provincial Government on October 25 the same year. However, its foundation was laid earlier in March 2015 through the Student Partnership for Healthy Mom and Baby initiative. In 2018, the initiative was rebranded as GELIAT Airlangga, signifying its broader mission to advance family-based healthcare. Further expansion occurred in 2021 with the introduction of GELIAT Santun Airlangga, a specialized branch focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
Innovative programs within GELIAT Airlangga
GELIAT Airlangga continues to develop a range of innovative programs that support UNAIR’s Family Health Research Center and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 17. The first program is Maternal and Family Support Initiative. This core program enlists volunteers from diverse academic backgrounds to provide direct support to pregnant women. In coordination with local health centers (Puskesmas) and community health workers, this initiative ensures continuous assistance from pregnancy through postpartum recovery.
The second program is capacity building that focuses on training healthcare professionals, particularly midwives and physicians, equipping them with essential skills to address maternal and infant mortality. Additionally, it provides educational resources for volunteers and community health workers to enhance their ability to assist expectant mothers. The third program is community empowerment which involves students, faculty members, alumni, pregnant women, and their families, this initiative fosters greater awareness and collective responsibility for maternal and child health. The fourth program is Healthcare Referral Systems Enhancement to improve access to maternal and neonatal healthcare by evaluating existing referral patterns and identifying solutions to barriers within the healthcare system.
Impact and future prospects
GELIAT Airlangga has made significant contribution in advancing family health and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Through its far-reaching initiatives and strategic partnerships, the program aspires to serve as a national model for family-based healthcare improvement.
By continually fostering innovation and demonstrating a strong commitment to community service, UNAIR solidifies its role as a leader in public health and family wellness in Indonesia. GELIAT Airlangga remains dedicated to expanding its impact, striving to develop sustainable, research-driven solutions for improving maternal and child healthcare nationwide.
Author: Hana Mufidatuz Zuhrah
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
