Accurate information can shape how people respond to health challenges. When it comes to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), understanding how these diseases spread, how they can be prevented, and how they affect people’s lives is essential not only for personal health but also for building a more supportive community.

Indonesia continues to face challenges in addressing both diseases. The Ministry of Health estimated that around 564,000 people were living with HIV in 2025, while the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to highlight the country’s significant TB burden. Alongside medical treatment and early detection, public education remains important in addressing misconceptions and reducing the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support.

Turning Information into Understanding

For students, access to reliable health information can help replace uncertainty with a clearer understanding of HIV/AIDS and TB. This is the purpose behind the educational initiative conducted by PT Lautan Natural Krimerindo (LNK) in collaboration with Mawaddah Medika Hospital at SMKN 1 Dlanggu, Mojokerto, on October 20, 2026.

The program introduced students to the transmission, prevention, and symptoms of both diseases, while encouraging them to question misconceptions and understand the importance of treating affected individuals with empathy rather than judgment.

The students’ enthusiasm was reflected in their questions and participation throughout the session. For Niken, a student at SMKN 1 Dlanggu, the experience offered new knowledge that she could apply to better understand and protect herself.

“I gained a lot of new knowledge about HIV/AIDS and TB. I also learned about their prevention and transmission, as well as how to better protect myself. I hope programs like this can continue to reach the surrounding community and provide more education,” she shared.

Her experience reflects the value of making health information accessible in a setting where young people can learn, ask questions, and develop a better understanding of issues that affect society.

Extending the Impact Beyond One School

The benefits of health education can reach further when students bring what they learn into conversations with their families, friends, and communities. This is also why continuing the initiative matters.

Eko Setiawan, a teacher at SMKN 1 Dlanggu, welcomed the program and expressed his hope that more schools would have the same opportunity.

“We thank LNK and Mawaddah Medika Hospital for providing HIV and TB education to all our students. This is certainly very beneficial for them. We hope the program can continue in other schools so that students throughout Mojokerto can gain valuable knowledge,” he said.

The initiative is part of LNK’s ongoing community education efforts, conducted every three months in collaboration with Mawaddah Medika Hospital. By extending these sessions to different schools and communities, the program seeks to broaden access to reliable health information and encourage a more informed response to HIV/AIDS and TB.

Ultimately, the impact of health education goes beyond the information shared in a session. It lies in what people understand, the misconceptions they begin to question, and the awareness they carry into their everyday interactions.

Through initiatives like this, LNK continues its commitment to creating meaningful contributions to the community.

 

Work Cited

Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2025, June 21). Berani Tes, Berani Lindungi Diri, Kemenkes Targetkan Eliminasi HIV dan IMS Tahun 2030. https://kemkes.go.id/id/berani-tes-berani-lindungi-diri-kemenkes-targetkan-eliminasi-hiv-dan-ims-tahun-2030

Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2025, December 2). Percepat Identifikasi, Perluas Pengobatan, dan Hapus Stigma untuk Akhiri HIV pada 2030. https://www.kemkes.go.id/id/percepat-identifikasi-perluas-pengobatan-dan-hapus-stigma-untuk-akhiri-hiv-pada-2030

Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2025, January 22). Edukasi TBC di tengah stigma masyarakat. https://ayosehat.kemkes.go.id/deskripsi-kampanye/program-inovasi-edukasi-kesehatan/artikel/edukasi-tbc-di-tengah-stigma-masyarakat

Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2025, November 10). Hapus Stigma, Dukung Penderita TBC untuk Sembuh. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia