UMKT Partners with SMK Medika Samarinda for Anemia Screening and Health Education

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda – On November 28, 2025, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) launched a health initiative focused on anemia education and hemoglobin screening for female students at SMK Medika Samarinda. The program was designed to heighten awareness and foster preventive habits among adolescents.

The event, titled "Optimizing Anemia Education for Adolescent Girls through Interactive Counseling, Digital Media, and Hemoglobin Screening," was led by Rizki Nur Azmi (UMKT) in collaboration with Zakky Cholisoh, a lecturer from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS).

Also participating in the initiative was a team of pharmacy students from the UMKT fieldwork team of 2025. Under the guidance of the lead researchers, the team developed a curriculum and counseling materials specifically designed to be relatable and engaging for a younger audience.

Anemia among adolescent girls remains a pressing health concern that impacts multiple facets of well-being. In the short term, it can lead to diminished concentration, chronic fatigue, and reduced academic productivity. More critically, long-term anemia increases vulnerability to future pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and risks during childbirth. Consequently, early education is a vital step in safeguarding the health of future generations.

Moving away from traditional one-way explanation, the program utilized interactive counseling to encourage active participation. The session was further enhanced by an educational video — now available on YouTube — which debunks common myths and provides factual guidelines on anemia prevention. By hosting the content online, the team ensures that these reliable health resources remain accessible to both the students and the general public.

To provide immediate value, the team conducted on-site hemoglobin (Hb) testing. This screening allowed students to gain direct insights into their health status and understand the critical role of iron intake. As a tangible preventive measure, the research team also distributed iron supplements to all participants.

By integrating education with clinical screening, UMKT hopes to empower students with both the knowledge and the awareness needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This initiative serves as a meaningful contribution to adolescent welfare and reflects UMKT’s commitment to the Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi (The Three Pillars of Higher Education) through community service.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand this program to more schools, ensuring that sustainable anemia prevention becomes a cornerstone of adolescent health education across the schools in the region.

Author: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy