UNAIR NEWS – In an effort to improve public health, particularly in regions vulnerable to dengue fever (DBD), the Student Association of the D-IV Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) organized a free health screening event in Manduro Village from Saturday to Monday (July 13–15, 2024). This initiative is part of the MESENTRICAL (Medical Analyst Entering Village to be Clean and Healthy) program, designed to improve healthcare accessibility and promote awareness of the importance of maintaining good health.
Manduro Village’s geographical features, including its highland terrain and stagnant water sources, create an ideal breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Data from the Manduro Community Health Center (Puskesmas) indicate a rising trend in dengue cases in the village’s upper hamlets in recent years, highlighting a critical public health concern requiring urgent intervention.
“The environmental conditions in Manduro Village provide a suitable habitat for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary carriers of dengue fever,” explained Dr. Siska Widiyanti, Head of the Manduro Community Health Center. “This makes preventive measures and early detection essential,” she added.
During the screening event, students from the D-IV Medical Laboratory Technology program, supported by healthcare professionals from the Manduro Community Health Center, conducted blood tests to detect the dengue virus. Additionally, screenings were provided for blood sugar levels, uric acid, and cholesterol. The free health service benefited 50 residents, with 23 individuals undergoing specific dengue fever testing.
The initiative’s success was largely due to collaboration between the student association and four healthcare professionals from the Manduro Community Health Center. Their efforts were instrumental in conducting blood sample collection, distributing medication, and educating participants about their health.
Despite resource limitations—only four healthcare professionals were available from the Manduro Community Health Center—the screening program was successfully carried out. Their expertise ensured all medical procedures adhered to proper standards, providing participants with both quality care and reassurance.
“Although no active dengue cases have been reported, it is crucial to remain vigilant and maintain environmental cleanliness to prevent outbreaks,” said the Head of the Laboratory at the Manduro Community Health Center. “Sustaining these preventive efforts is a shared responsibility. Early detection allows timely treatment, reducing the risk of severe complications,” she stressed.
Through effective coordination between students and healthcare professionals, the screening event was conducted smoothly and efficiently. The healthcare workers played a vital role in overseeing the examination process and providing brief consultations regarding the test results.
Eva Feliana, Head of the D-IV Medical Laboratory Technology Student Association, expressed optimism about the program’s impact. “We hope this initiative encourages the community to prioritize their health and environment. Health is not just an individual responsibility—it is a collective commitment,” she stated.
Although the screening program has yielded promising results, several challenges remain in controlling dengue fever in Manduro Village. These include behavioral changes, as fostering a culture of cleanliness and healthy living requires sustained efforts, and the impact of climate change, which influences the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for progress. With strong collaboration between stakeholders, coupled with support from the government and the local community, dengue fever in Manduro Village can be effectively controlled. The recent health screening represents a vital first step in prevention and management. To ensure lasting and meaningful results, several strategic measures are planned.
- Active surveillance will be conducted in partnership with the Manduro Community Health Center to regularly monitor dengue cases. This will enable early detection and prompt intervention.
- Targeted fogging will be implemented in affected areas when positive dengue cases are confirmed, following established protocols to curb disease transmission.
- Community empowerment programs will provide residents with education on dengue prevention, environmental hygiene, and symptom self-monitoring, reinforcing proactive measures against outbreaks.
- Furthermore, efforts will be made to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly for those in remote areas, through mobile health clinics, partnerships with nearby healthcare facilities, and online health consultations.
Through these planned efforts, HIMANIS aims to make a tangible contribution to dengue prevention in Manduro Village. The organization urges all community members to actively participate in fostering a healthier, dengue-free environment.
The health screening program in Manduro Village has demonstrated that with strong collaboration and commitment, even complex public health challenges such as dengue fever can be effectively addressed. It is hoped that Manduro Village residents will remain proactive in maintaining their health and environmental cleanliness to achieve a better quality of life for all.
Author: Galuh Kusuma Wardani Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
