Politap and PERDOSKI Boost Health Education for Students

Ketapang, 10 February 2026 – In an effort to increase public understanding of leprosy and commemorate World Leprosy Day, the Indonesian Society of Dermatology and Venereology (PERDOSKI) Pontianak Branch, in collaboration with the Indonesian Morbus Hansen Study Group (KSMHI), held an Outreach and Health Counseling on Leprosy event at Politeknik Negeri Ketapang (Ketapang State Polytechnic) on Monday, 9 February 2026.

The event held at the Politeknik Negeri Ketapang Campus was part of the “PERDOSKI Goes to Campus” program, which aims to provide education to the academic community regarding leprosy while increasing public awareness of the importance of early detection and proper treatment.

During the event, speakers from PERDOSKI presented various aspects related to leprosy, ranging from disease introduction, causes, modes of transmission, symptoms to watch out for, to available treatment methods. In addition, participants were provided with an understanding of the importance of social support for leprosy patients so they do not experience stigma or discrimination in society.

A representative from PERDOSKI Pontianak Branch explained that negative stigma toward leprosy patients still persists today, often causing them to be isolated from their social environment. In fact, leprosy is a curable disease if treated properly and as early as possible.

Through this activity, students are expected to gain accurate information about leprosy so they can become education agents in their communities. Proper education is deemed vital to help eliminate misconceptions and the lingering stigma attached to leprosy patients.

This outreach activity was attended by around 90 students from various study programs at Politeknik Negeri Ketapang. The participants showed great enthusiasm in joining the interactive session, including the discussion and Q&A session with the speakers.

In addition to providing health education, this event also served as a medium for students to increase social awareness regarding public health issues, especially concerning illnesses that still carry stigma in society.

Through collaboration between medical professionals and higher education institutions, it is hoped that efforts to improve public health literacy can continue to grow. This activity is also expected to encourage the active role of youth in spreading accurate health information and contributing to efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against leprosy patients in society. (Finn)