(Unila): The case detection rate (CDR) for tuberculosis in Bandar Lampung city is projected to attain 40% in 2022. This figure is impacted by several factors, among others insufficient public awareness regarding medication adherence, inadequate sensitivity among law enforcement officers towards suspected cases, and unreported data.
In response to this concern, SCOPH CIMSA FK Unila established the enhancing awareness concerning the prevention and possibility of tuberculosis occurrences (EAGLE) initiative.
EAGLE refers to an event that raises awareness and funds for the CIMSA program dealing with communicable and non-communicable disease with the theme, airborne disease and smoking prevention & cessation.
The event is intended to enhance public awareness and their understanding with respect to the contagious illness tuberculosis, the relationship between smoking and TB disease, and the tuberculosis vaccine.
The EAGLE series commenced with pre-activity training on March 29, 2024, in collaboration with an external partner. The training was dealing with infectious disease tuberculosis and its relationship with the hazards of cigarette smoke presented by IFMSA certified public health trainer.
The event included the dissemination of materials by Dr. Hendro Sihaloho, the engagement in forum discussion group discussions, followed by demonstrations making use of teaching aids concerning the hazards of cigarette smoke, and the implementation of early detection of tuberculosis screening via the SOBAT TB website.
On March 31, 2024, the second event was continued to the air campaign and public discussion via radio broadcasts, during which Radio RRI Pro 2 FM Lampung and IFMSA certified public health trainers engaged in discussions.
This discourse examined the risk factors, causes, and symptoms of tuberculosis that significantly affect an individual’s health. It also delved into the methods of transmission and the diagnostic process for TB to identify the existence of TB bacteria within the body.
Furthermore, it explored the health hazards associated with smoking and its correlation with the infectious disease TB. Preventive measures against tuberculosis, such as smoking cessation, were also explored in order to avert an increase in the disease’s prevalence rate.
Public discussion in which public could participate was also made via online zoom meeting. This discussion was guided namely Prof. Dyah Wulan and the association of Indonesian lung specialist doctor (PDPI), dr. Andreas Infianto.
The discussion was also attended by some 103 students from the Specialist Medical Education Program (PPDS), and those from other universities, and members of the general public.
A post-activity was conducted to conclude the series of events and to inform senior high school students about dissemination of digital posters regarding the perils of cigarette smoke and the infectious disease tuberculosis. The posters were also published on the Instagram account @cimsaunila. [PR Team]
