Junior Doctors from the Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta Faculty of Medicine (FK UMS), who are currently undertaking the Baitul Insan Kamil (BIK) rotation, carried out a Community Service (PKM) program focusing on child health. The activity, titled “Improving Clean and Healthy Living Behavior through Islamic Values-Based Handwashing Education for Children,” was held at Panti Asuhan Keluarga Yatim Muhammadiyah (PAKYM), Surakarta, on Sunday (4/1/2026).
Led by Bricareira Bara Presmashita, S.Ked., as Group Leader, the program aimed to strengthen the foundation of PHBS among children from an early age. The approach was specifically designed to be child-friendly and easy to understand, under the supervision of dr. Rahma Anindita, Sp.A, and dr. Listiana Masyita Dewi, M.Sc.
During the session, the Junior Doctor team explained the importance of washing hands with soap and running water as a simple yet effective measure to prevent disease transmission, particularly gastrointestinal infections that commonly affect children. The education also highlighted critical moments for handwashing, such as before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outdoors.
What distinguishes this initiative from typical PHBS education programs is the integration of Islamic values into every aspect of the material delivered. The educators emphasized that maintaining cleanliness is not merely a medical concern, but also a reflection of faith and a form of responsibility in caring for the body as a trust from Allah SWT.
“We deliberately packaged this education using Islamic values because the children at PAKYM grow up in a strongly religious environment. In this way, the message about cleanliness is understood not only as a health necessity, but also as part of daily worship,” Bricareira explained on Tuesday (6/1/2026).
The atmosphere at the venue was lively and cheerful during the hands-on demonstration session. The children were invited to practice proper handwashing steps according to health standards. The interactive question-and-answer session was met with great enthusiasm, with participants eagerly volunteering to respond to questions from the Junior Doctors.
Bricareira added that the children’s enthusiasm became a source of motivation for the team. “Seeing them immediately practice what we taught with such excitement shows that education delivered in an engaging way can truly resonate. We hope this habit will continue in their daily lives,” she said.
On the same occasion, dr. Rahma Anindita, Sp.A, as supervising lecturer, expressed her appreciation for the initiative. She emphasized that building healthy habits from an early age is far more effective than treating diseases later in life.
“We hope that through this activity, children will not only know how to wash their hands, but make it a habit embedded in their daily routines. Disease prevention starts from the simplest actions, and handwashing is the first step,” she stated.
Through this PKM program, FK UMS continues to demonstrate its commitment to producing future doctors who are not only clinically competent, but also socially aware and capable of becoming health advocates within the community.
