Learning through Play: Universitas Andalas Advances SDG 3 and SDG 4 through Flash Card-Based Dengue Prevention Education

Padang, October 24, 2024 — Universitas Andalas continues to support public health improvement and quality education in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through a creative educational initiative led by students from the Faculty of Public Health. The program introduced dengue fever (DBD) prevention to students of SDN 04 Gaung, Padang, using an interactive flash card game to promote clean and healthy living behaviors.

The activity was conducted as part of a community service program targeting elementary school students. It aimed to enhance students’ knowledge of communicable disease prevention through the implementation of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS).

The program began with a preparation stage involving the development of educational materials related to PHBS in the school environment. The materials covered essential practices such as washing hands with soap before and after meals, consuming healthy snacks, using clean sanitation facilities, engaging in regular physical activity, eliminating mosquito larvae, and disposing of waste properly. These materials were then transformed into a flash card game designed as an interactive learning tool.

During the activity, students participated in engaging learning sessions through the flash card game, which contained key messages on healthy habits and disease prevention. This game-based approach was chosen to create an enjoyable learning environment while making it easier for students to understand and retain health-related information.

The program involved 19 students from grades IV and V of SDN 04 Gaung. A pre-test and post-test method was used to measure changes in students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors before and after the intervention. The evaluation results showed a significant improvement in students’ understanding and practices related to disease prevention following the activity.

Through this initiative, Universitas Andalas students aim to instill early awareness of the importance of personal and environmental hygiene as a preventive measure against diseases, including dengue fever. The program is expected to encourage students to adopt clean and healthy behaviors in their daily lives and become agents of change within their school and community.