Kalibaru Residents Utilise 'Grebek TBC' for Early Detection

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Hundreds of residents of RW 012, Kalibaru Urban Village, Cilincing District, North Jakarta, took part in free health screenings through the ‘Grebek Tuberculosis (TBC)’ programme as an effort to detect cases early and prevent the spread of the disease in residential areas.

‘The Grebek TBC programme is a tangible form of a community movement to detect disease early while breaking the chain of TB transmission in residential environments,’ said Head of the Kalibaru Auxiliary Health Centre, Dr Muvinda Yuningrum Putri, in Jakarta on Tuesday.

She stated that this activity is a follow-up to the TB Alert Village (KST) and demonstrates strong collaboration between health workers, the government, health cadres, and residents.

‘Residents not only underwent examinations, but participants also received direct education from Lung Specialist Dr Muhammad Sofiansyah, Sp.P, of Cilincing Regional General Hospital, regarding the importance of early detection and adherence to TB treatment,’ she said.

According to her, the Grebek TBC activity is part of an active effort to find tuberculosis cases as early as possible so that treatment can be carried out more quickly and precisely.

She said tuberculosis remains a public health challenge that requires collective attention. Through this Grebek TBC activity, her team aims to increase residents’ awareness to get early examinations, especially for those with risk factors or close contact with TB patients.

‘The sooner it is found, the greater the chance of recovery and the smaller the risk of transmission to others,’ she said.

According to her, the success of TB elimination does not only depend on health facilities but also requires the involvement of all elements of society. Therefore, the role of health cadres, local administrators, and residents is very important in supporting disease prevention and control efforts.

‘We appreciate the enthusiasm of the residents of RW 012 Kalibaru who participated in this activity. This spirit of collaboration is the main asset for achieving the TB Elimination target by 2030 as proclaimed by the government,’ she said.

She stated that this step is in line with the government’s national priority programme in accelerating TB control. According to her, TB elimination is one of the Quick Win programmes of the Ministry of Health included in the eight national development priorities as directed by the President.

‘With synergy between the government, health workers, cadres, and the community, the 2030 TB Elimination target is expected to be achieved,’ she said.