Purworejo, July 25, 2025 — The Faculty of Public Health at Diponegoro University (FKM Undip) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting public health programs through international collaboration. This time, FKM Undip is collaborating with Yonsei University and Kangwon National University in South Korea to organize a community service activity titled “Strengthening Community Empowerment and Disaster Risk Reduction to Promote Health and Well-being in Kedunggubah Village.”
The event took place on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Kedunggubah Village, Kaligesing Subdistrict, Purworejo Regency, an area known as one of the malaria-endemic zones in Central Java. This program is part of a series of international collaborations that began the previous day with the inauguration of the Purworejo Malaria Center on July 24, 2025.
Focus on Early Detection and Community-Based Education
This community service activity adopts a participatory and educational approach, focusing on screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malaria, hypertension, and diabetes. The event was officially opened by the Kaligesing Subdistrict Head and representatives from the Purworejo District Health Office, and was attended by enthusiastic community members who participated in the entire series of activities.
Students from the Master’s Program in Epidemiology at the Faculty of Public Health, University of Diponegoro, led interactive educational sessions using a locally-based approach that was easy to understand. This education aimed to build comprehensive awareness among the community about disease risks, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and the control of risk factors based on scientific evidence.
In addition to education, the team also provided free health check-up services, including blood pressure measurement, blood sugar level checks, and malaria screening using rapid diagnostic tests. Data from these examinations will be used for health risk mapping and as a basis for intervention policy decisions.
Cross-Country Collaboration in Concrete Action
A number of academics from South Korea attended the event, including Prof. Jeon Bo-Young and Dr. Sezim Monoldorova from Yonsei University, Prof. Han Jin-Hee and Dr. Jun Hojong from Kangwon National University, as well as four foreign students from both universities who interacted directly with the community.
One session that received special attention was an open scientific discussion with Prof. Jeon Bo-Young, who addressed the issue of malaria-carrying mosquito species.
“We want the community to understand that malaria-carrying mosquitoes exhibit different behaviors depending on their environment. Prevention must be based on local conditions,” said Prof. Jeon.
Meanwhile, Prof. Han Jin-Hee emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration:
“Malaria elimination requires global synergy. Collaboration and strengthening local capacity are the keys to long-term success,” he stressed.
Field Learning and Student Capacity Building
According to Dr. Muh Fauzi, Head of the Master of Epidemiology Program at FKM Undip, this activity is a very valuable field learning experience:
“Students not only learn theory, but also gain hands-on experience in educating the community, collecting data, and building relationships with the community.”
The enthusiasm of the community is an indicator of the success of the approach used. Many residents stated that this was their first experience receiving comprehensive healthcare services and health education directly from academic staff and students in an inclusive environment.
This activity demonstrates that cross-border academic collaboration can be realized through concrete actions at the community level. The series of activities concluded with a reflection session involving the entire team and an open dialogue with the community as part of the evaluation and strengthening of the program’s sustainability.
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