In an effort to raise awareness of adolescent reproductive health and support the achievement of the Sustainable Health Development Goals (SDGs), Warmadewa University (Unwar), in collaboration with Udayana University (Unud), implemented a cross-institutional Community Service (PKM) program. This program focused on education and HPV vaccination as a preventative measure against cervical cancer, a leading cause of death for women in Indonesia.
The program, led by Dr. dr. Desak Putu Oki Lestari, M. Biomed. Sp.PA, ran for six months, from July 2024 to January 2025, at three junior high schools (SMP) in Bali: SMP Wisata Sanur, SMPN 3 Tabanan, and SMP Al-Hidayah Baturiti. This activity involved collaboration with experts such as Dr. dr. I Gde Sastra Winata, Sp.OG (K) Onk and Dr. dr. I Nyoman Putu Riasa Sp.BP-RE (K), as well as support from students from the Unwar Faculty of Medicine.
Based on a preliminary survey led by F. Fiano Anthony Kerans, Ph.D., it was found that many female students in Bali have poor knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. This prompted the Student Creativity Program (PKM) team to provide training to student council members at these schools to become ambassadors for cervical cancer prevention.
During the training, the students were equipped with knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention, including the importance of HPV vaccination. Some students were even trained to become counselors, able to provide education to their peers. Evaluation results showed an increase in knowledge and positive attitudes in over 80% of participants.
The program successfully achieved 98% vaccination coverage among the participating junior high school students. Furthermore, the students' ability to deliver health education also significantly improved. Dr. Riasa gave special recognition to students who successfully conducted counseling sessions and even awarded them prizes as motivation.
According to the Principal of Sanur Tourism Junior High School, Ida Ayu Krisna Ari, M.Pd., this program helped students become more aware of the importance of maintaining reproductive health. Meanwhile, Ni Made Vera Artini Wirya, Head of Student Affairs at SMPN 3 Tabanan, expressed her hope that the program would be continued for new students. Saidan, S.Pd.I., Principal of SMP Al-Hidayah Baturiti, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the program's sustainability in creating a more health-conscious young generation.
HPV vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90% if administered before exposure to the virus. This program aligns with the Indonesian government's efforts to expand HPV vaccination coverage as part of its efforts to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Indonesia.
Through this collaboration, Warmadewa University and Udayana University not only provide education but also support the national program to create a healthy young generation aware of the importance of disease prevention. This program is concrete evidence of how synergy between educational institutions and the community can have a positive impact on the health of future generations. (jk/r)
