The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (FK UMS) demonstrated its commitment in the field of public health through a strategic collaboration with Gatak Community Health Center (Puskesmas Gatak), Sukoharjo. Together, they organized an intensive health education activity titled “Fight Tuberculosis with STECU” (Socialization, Testing, Education, Prevention, and Integrated Efforts) on Monday (15/12/2025).
The activity, held in the hall of Puskesmas Gatak, was specifically designed to enhance understanding and strengthen the vital role of healthcare workers at First-Level Health Facilities (FKTP) as the frontline in the prevention and control of tuberculosis (TB) in the Sukoharjo area.
Nining Lestari, MPH and dr. Restu Tri Wulandani Tolibin, Sp.A. served as speakers and facilitators. Both delivered comprehensive presentations on TB management strategies, ranging from public health policy perspectives to clinical management of pediatric and adult patients.
FK UMS community service team emphasized that STECU is not merely a slogan, but a concrete step that must be implemented continuously:
- Socialization and Education aim to address the negative stigma surrounding TB in society
- Testing and Prevention focus on active case finding
- Integrated Efforts emphasize cross-sector collaboration to ensure patients complete their treatment
The series of activities was systematically arranged to measure the effectiveness of information delivery. It began with a pre-test to map participants’ initial knowledge, followed by the first session of material presentation. To maintain participants’ enthusiasm, an ice-breaking session was inserted before moving on to the second, more technical session. The activity concluded with a post-test to evaluate the improvement in understanding among the attending healthcare workers.
A representative of FK UMS stated that this collaboration represents the implementation of the Catur Dharma of Muhammadiyah Higher Education, particularly in community service.
“Through education and cross-sector collaboration like this, we hope to strengthen joint efforts in breaking the chain of TB transmission. Strengthening at the Puskesmas level is crucial so that the quality of public health services improves and the TB elimination target can be achieved more quickly,” said dr. Nining Lestari, MPH.
With synergy between academics from FK UMS and healthcare practitioners from Puskesmas Gatak, this activity is expected to serve as a catalyst for similar programs in other regions to create a healthier and more resilient society against the threat of infectious diseases.
