This month, PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) facilitated the implementation of Health Promotion for Tuberculosis (TB) prevention through the Find and Treat Until Healed (TOSS) TB program for the communities of the Batangtoru and Muara Batangtoru Sub-Districts. Health Promotion was conducted twice, first on Friday, October 24, 2023, for the Council of Islamic Study Groups (BKMT), and then on Tuesday, October 28, 2023, for Healthy Youth cadres in junior and senior high schools at Sopo Daganak. The aim of this Health Promotion is to provide school-age children and Islamic communities with knowledge and understanding of TB prevention, detection, and treatment, empowering them to become agents of change in the community. The Health Promotion was attended by a total of 193 students and 233 BKMT members.
Edy Sujoko, a representative from the South Tapanuli Health Service, who attended as a speaker, pointed out that many people still believe that TB is a ‘curse’ or a spiritual affliction and are more likely to seek treatment from traditional healers rather than healthcare facilities like Puskesmas or hospitals. “Public knowledge about TB prevention, detection, treatment, and the methods for identification is still lacking, which underscores the need for health promotion efforts like this.”
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The topics covered during the Health Promotion included understanding TB, its signs and symptoms, how to confirm TB infection, prevention, treatment, and how to care for TB patients. The event was also attended by Head of the Batangtoru Community Health Center, Elida Handriani Batubara, Head of the Hutaraja Community Health Center, Nelly Karmila Aritonang, and TB program coordinators from both health centers. This program is the result of collaboration between PTAR, the South Tapanuli Health Service, Batangtoru Community Health Center, and Hutaraja Community Health Center.
