Semarang, February 2025 – Leprosy remains an endemic disease in Indonesia, including in Banyuwangi Regency, where new cases continue to emerge. One of the significant impacts of leprosy is physical disability, which affects social life and fuels stigma. Therefore, the role of academics is crucial in preventing disabilities caused by leprosy and curbing its transmission. Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through its Doctoral Program in Public Health, has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the early detection and prevention of leprosy in Banyuwangi Regency. A total of 39 doctoral students actively participated as organizers of the initiative, collaborating with the Banyuwangi Regency Health Office in the PRO PAHALA program (Promotif Preventif Aktif Hadapi Ancaman Lepra) / Promotive Preventive Actions Against the Threat of Leprosy. This program serves as tangible proof that academics play a strategic role in driving societal change.
Academic Innovation for Early Leprosy Detection
During the event held from February 3–5, 2025, Yudhy Darmawan, S.KM., M.Kes., M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary of UNDIP’s Doctoral Program in Public Health, presented a session on an early leprosy detection delay instrument. This instrument, developed through his dissertation research in the Netherlands, is expected to assist healthcare workers in identifying leprosy cases at an earlier stage.
“Through a science-based approach, we aim to ensure that healthcare workers have an effective tool to detect delayed leprosy diagnosis before it reaches a severe stage. This is a concrete example of how academics can contribute directly to improving public health,” said Dr. Yudhy.
Health Education as a Pillar of Prevention
Beyond technological innovations in early detection, academics also play a role in broader health education. This program engaged healthcare workers, health volunteers, religious leaders, and the community through various training and awareness sessions. UNDIP’s doctoral students were not just event organizers but also facilitators, helping raise public awareness of the importance of early leprosy detection.
According to dr. Andiyani Hamzah, MMRS, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division at the Banyuwangi Health Office, academic involvement is a key factor in accelerating leprosy elimination.
“We greatly appreciate the contributions of academics, who not only bring a scientific approach but also ensure that this program is systematically executed and evidence-based,” she explained.
Academic Agenda for Community Well-Being
The PRO PAHALA program includes several key initiatives emphasizing the role of academics in public health:
- Introduction of the Early Leprosy Detection Instrument to healthcare workers for more accurate diagnosis.
- Strategic Education on Early Leprosy Detection for Diabetic Patients as an additional preventive measure.
- Interpersonal Communication Training for Health Volunteers to enhance community-based education.
- Empowerment of Community Leaders to help eliminate the stigma associated with leprosy.
- Distribution of Social Aid to Affected Families, demonstrating academic social responsibility.
Based on pre-test and post-test evaluations, there was a significant increase in understanding among healthcare workers and health volunteers regarding early leprosy detection and related communication strategies. Academics not only share knowledge but also drive real change within the community.
The event’s organizing committee chair, Mury Ririanty, S.KM., M.Kes., emphasized that academic involvement must not stop here.
“We hope this program serves as an inspiration for broader community service efforts. Doctoral students, with their various innovations, must become the front-line agents of change in public health,” she stated.
Through these concrete efforts, the collaboration between academics and healthcare workers is accelerating the goal of leprosy elimination. More than that, this program proves that academics are not confined to classrooms or laboratories—they are present in the community, actively working to create meaningful change.
