Semarang, April 21, 2025 – A total of 85 residents of Karangroto, including 50 adults and 35 children, participated in GERTAS (Gerakan Tuntas Atasi TBC or Total Action to Overcome TB), held on Sunday (April 20) at the Karangroto Public Housing Hall. This educational event was initiated by students of the D-4 Public Relations and Information Program, Vocational School of Diponegoro University (Undip), in collaboration with Mentari Sehat Indonesia (MSI) Foundation in Semarang, and supported by various partners including BPJS Health and the Central Java Health Office.
The event featured an educational talk show with guest speakers from the Provincial Health Office and internal medicine specialist Dr. Dinda Saraswati Ratnaningsih, Sp.PD. A TB survivor, Evi Nurjanah, also shared her inspiring story of battling drug-resistant TB. The talk show addressed five key topics: vaccination, smoking, medication duration, mortality risks, and prevention at home.
Participants also took part in practical sessions on ethical coughing and proper handwashing following WHO standards. Free TB screenings and health consultations were provided by Bangetayu Public Health Center. For children, education was delivered through animated videos, short discussions, and interactive games such as “TB Healthy Adventure” and “TB Health Wheel.”
Post-test results showed a significant improvement in knowledge for both adult and child participants. The program successfully raised awareness about proper coughing etiquette, hand hygiene, and the importance of wearing masks to prevent TB transmission.
GERTAS stands as a concrete example of synergy between academia, health institutions, and the community in supporting the national goal of eliminating TB by 2030.
Recent Comments