Gunungkidul, October 11, 2025 – The Department of Pharmaceutics at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully conducted a community service activity in Sidoharjo Village, Tepus District, Gunungkidul Regency. The event, titled “Empowering the Sidoharjo Village Community through Increased Health Literacy and Disease Prevention,” was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of residents.
The activity began with remarks from Prof. Dr. apt. Akhmad Kharis Nugroho, M.Si., Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics, who highlighted the importance of active community participation in maintaining public health. A warm welcome was also extended by Evi Nurcahyani, S.IP., the Village Head of Sidoharjo, who appreciated the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM’s initiative in raising health awareness in Sidoharjo Village. The event continued with morning exercises attended by residents, including the elderly, as well as lecturers and educational staff from the Department of Pharmaceutics. The exercises created a lively and spirited atmosphere among the participants.
Following the workout, the focus shifted to the health education session presented by lecturers from the Department of Pharmaceutics. Dr. apt. Bondan Ardiningtyas, M.Sc., explained the proper way to manage medicine through the DAGUSIBU (Get, Use, Store, and Dispose of medicine correctly). Dr. apt. Niken Nur Widyakusuma, M.Sc., provided guidance on medicine safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women, while apt. Anna Wahyuni Widayanti, M.P.H., Ph.D., discussed the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases such as Diabetes and Hypertension. This educational session was followed by an interactive discussion, where participants, especially health cadres and general community members, actively posed questions on related issues.
As an integral part of disease prevention efforts, the Department of Pharmaceutics community service team then provided free check-ups for blood pressure, blood sugar, uric acid, and Body Mass Index (BMI) for the participants. This activity aimed at early detection and facilitating follow-up health measures for residents in need through personalized education. The community service concluded with a doorprize distribution session, adding extra cheer for the participants who had actively engaged from morning until noon.
This community service activity strongly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through health promotion, disease prevention education, and the early detection of blood sugar, blood pressure, and uric acid. The involvement in medicine use education reflects a commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education). Furthermore, by empowering the Sidoharjo community, this initiative contributes to achieving a healthy SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The entire community service program was also made possible by SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), an effective collaboration between the academic institution and the local village government.
