The program was initiated by Group 4 of the course led by Mohammad Dwinta Harits Cahyana (IF '19). Residents of RW 03 and 05 of Cilengkrang Village welcomed their program with great enthusiasm.

One of the group members, Amanda (BE'20), was elated by the enthusiasm shown by the villagers. "They are very excited to participate despite the distance they need to travel. They even asked us when the program will start and are active during the Q&A session with doctors.”

One of the reasons Group 4 focuses on the theme of hypertension is because its cases in Cilengkrang Villages are incredibly high. Residents have a hard time seeking treatment because the nearest health center is quite far and only open twice a week. The operating health clinic nearby is priced quite high; residents could not afford their medical fees there. Thus, ITB students took the initiative to educate on the importance of a healthy lifestyle to overcome high blood pressure as well as provide free health tests to the people. The group hoped that this program can reduce the risk of high blood pressure in the village while raising awareness of maintaining one’s health.

The seminar titled "Healthy Lifestyle to Reduce High Blood Pressure Risk" invited Dr. Awilia Fargi Hidayati as the speaker. Participants were given an overview on the importance of maintaining health to avoid high blood pressure, which includes refraining from smoking, consuming unhealthy food, and engaging in harmful lifestyles.

After the seminar, free medical tests were done that measure one’s weight, height, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Participants received information on their results and were advised to take care of their well-being. They were also given the opportunity to ask the doctors directly about their health.

Furthermore, Group 4 organized workshops to train participants in the correct usage of relevant medical devices. They were guided on how to conduct blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol tests. The group also taught the use of medical tools and functions of basic medicines commonly used by villagers, in hopes of m being able to perform first-aid in an emergency. These medical tools are scales, height-measuring instruments, thermometers, blood pressure checks, medicines, and more- all were handed to the village.

One of the members of Group 4, Shelma (IF '21), hoped that high blood pressure cases in Cilengkrang Village can decline through this program "Hopefully, this provides all the benefits and increases awareness on one’s health.”

Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)
Photo: Documentation Group 4 KU4093 Character Education
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)