UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) students amplify Tuberculosis and Stunting awareness in Gedangkulut Village, Gresik, as a part of the 3rd Learning Together Community Service (KKN BBK) on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
“We consider this program crucial, especially in light of the current efforts by the health department to eradicate tuberculosis (TB),” stated M. Ariel Kafilla Shofa, the head organizer, in an interview with UNAIR NEWS on Monday, January 22, 2024.
Ariel further elaborated that his team conducted surveys and collaborated with stakeholders and the local health team. The data revealed a significant number of tuberculosis and stunting cases in the area.
“After conducting surveys and discussions with the community, we learned that many people here are unaware of TB. “There is a lot of misinformation about the illness out there,” he said.
Therefore, Ariel and his group formulated a comprehensive program to address these issues. The program targets all village residents with health exams and early education on Tuberculosis and Stunting.
“The community is eager to join our program, especially the free health exam, which was attended by 39 people, most of whom are elderly,” he added.
Tuberculosis program
To raise community awareness, Ariel and his team conducted educational sessions on TB, which is caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria. TB can be diagnosed through a sputum test.
Symptoms of TB, as explained by Ariel, include persistent coughing with sputum, weight loss, and loss of appetite, with some cases also presenting shortness of breath.
“For effective treatment, TB patients must complete a course of anti-tuberculosis drugs over an approximate six-month period,” Ariel emphasized.
Ariel emphasized the importance of regularity in TB medication consumption, noting that delays can lead to drug resistance, complicating treatment with more potent drugs.
Stunting awareness program
In addition to the TB program, Ariel’s team also focused on early education about stunting, aiming to tackle nutritional issues in toddlers in the village.
“We introduced the basics of stunting, explored methods to combat and prevent it,” he stated.
Ariel highlighted that malnutrition in children leads to frequent illness, stunted growth and development, and diminished cognitive abilities.
“Early prevention is key, focusing on enhancing health and balanced nutrition during pregnancy,” he concluded.
Author: Rosita
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
