Universitas Andalas KKN Students Promote Early Detection of Non-Communicable Diseases in Support of SDG 3 and SDG 11

Students participating in the Universitas Andalas KKN community service program carried out an initiative in Nagari Tanjung Bingkung, Solok Regency, to encourage early detection of non-communicable diseases through health screening, education, and healthy lifestyle outreach. The activity is closely linked to SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it aims to improve community health access while strengthening local resilience through preventive health action.

According to the report published on July 31, 2025, the program responded to growing concern over non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and stroke, which were described as “silent killers” because they often do not show symptoms in the early stages. The article noted that the prevalence of these diseases continues to rise in Indonesia and has become a major cause of illness and death. In Nagari Tanjung Bingkung, the risk was considered high because many residents, including both productive-age adults and older people, were not accustomed to undergoing regular health checks.

Recognizing this situation, the Universitas Andalas KKN students organized a program that went beyond free health checks. Their activities included counseling sessions, education on healthy lifestyles, and the distribution of informational leaflets. Through outreach in several jorong, residents were introduced to the dangers of non-communicable diseases and the importance of early detection. The education also focused on simple preventive measures such as maintaining blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, and managing diet properly.

The free health screening was conducted at several locations, including the wali nagari office, community health cadres’ homes, and mosques. Residents received examinations covering body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The activity also involved the local public health center as well as lecturers from Universitas Andalas, reflecting a collaborative approach to improving public health awareness at the community level.

To increase public participation, the students also organized regular healthy exercise sessions with the community every Saturday morning. After the physical activity, residents were given access to health screening services on site. This approach was reported to be effective in attracting public interest while also providing a direct example of the importance of staying physically active to maintain health.

Overall, the initiative showed how Universitas Andalas students can contribute directly to community well-being through preventive health education and accessible early screening. By combining health checks, awareness campaigns, and public engagement, the program helped encourage residents of Nagari Tanjung Bingkung to pay closer attention to their health and take earlier action against the risk of non-communicable diseases.