UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) alumnus dr. Ricky Indra Alfaray has invited the youth of Surabaya City to join the fight against Hepatitis B and the Covid-19 pandemic. He has established Anti Hepatitis B and Corona Health Ambassador Surabaya (Kabonara Ambassador).
The young doctor graduated from Faculty of Medicine (FK) as well as 2015 UNAIR Ambassador revealed that Kabonara Ambassador is a forum for the younger generation to fight Hepatitis B and Covid-19. “We want to encourage an active role of younger generation in fighting two major health problems fought aggressively by health workers throughout Surabaya area,” he explained via telephone Monday morning, March 8, 2021.
Since its formation in October 2020, the ambassador association under the guidance of Vice Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization and Information, Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr. M.Kes., Sp.PD-KGEH., Ph.D., educates the public continuously. Various activities have been carried out, starting from health promotion, specific protection, to early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Ricky said that all of these actions are predominantly carried out online. Some mass media have been used as a means of dissemination.
Furthermore, many collaborations were also pursued. One of them is the collaboration with the Indonesian Tourism Ambassador which was carried out some time ago.
“During the demonstration yesterday, for example, we educated how to prepare for the demonstration during the Covid-19 period. Whatever needs to be prepared, we provided masks, handsanitizers, and all. Usually, we also have webinars, make posters, and do online dissemination, “he added.
Ricky said that the Kabonara Ambassador was also focused on improving vaccine coverage as part of Specific Protection efforts, by screening people who are at high risk of being exposed to Hepatitis B or Covid-19.
The presence of the Kabonara Ambassador has contributed to the prevention of Hepatitis B and Covid-19 in Surabaya. Until now, there are 15 active members who have been selected through various stages of rigorous selection.
The majority are students with health backgrounds from various universities in Surabaya. Even so, members of Duta Kabonara still receive some materials and training to educate the public.
In the future, said Ricky, Kabonara Ambassador will carry out some big agendas for Indonesian youth in fighting Hepatitis B and Covid-19, such as Seminars and Workshop series on Covid-19, as well as National Competitions in collaboration with some youth communities.
“We have done the meetings now, at the end of this year it will start. We plan to write a book from there as well, “he said.
He hoped that Kabonara Ambassador will have a changing impact for Surabaya. At least, he continued, it could educate the youth in Surabaya. In the future, Ricky also expects Kabonara Ambassador’s service to be carried out outside Surabaya City.
“Maybe we will expand our reach and not only include Surabaya, but nationally if we gain popularity later on. Hopefully when the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia is over, this Kabonara Ambassador will always be active, “he hoped. (*)
Author: Erika Eight Novanty
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
