NERS NEWS — Surabaya, August 20, 2026 — The Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, together with inbound delegates from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), conducted health education on the importance of breastfeeding and proper breastfeeding techniques for pregnant women at Dukuh Sutorejo Community Health Center as part of the International Community Development series of activities. This activity was carried out after the group picked up the inbound delegates from Malaysia and then continued their journey to Dukuh Sutorejo Community Health Center. The education aimed to provide pregnant women with an understanding of the importance of breastfeeding as well as proper preparation and breastfeeding practices. The activity was conducted in an educational and interactive manner through the delivery of materials and a question-and-answer session with the participants.
During the activity, Silvi and Wawa served as presenters who provided education to the pregnant women, while Student Ambassadors also participated as the MC, with Shello and Najwa serving as Student Ambassadors who helped with the activity. The material presented focused on the importance of breastfeeding as well as the rules and proper breastfeeding techniques that need to be understood from pregnancy. The material was delivered communicatively so that the information could be easily understood by the participants. The pregnant women were also given the opportunity to ask questions related to breastfeeding, allowing the activity to take place as a two-way interaction.
During the education session, the audience showed good enthusiasm and actively participated in the activity. The participants not only listened to the material presented but also took part in the discussion by asking various questions to the presenters. This interaction made the atmosphere more lively and provided pregnant women with the opportunity to receive more specific explanations regarding material they had not yet understood. The active participation of the audience also demonstrated their interest in the health information provided during the activity.
The education at Dukuh Sutorejo Community Health Center was one form of health education delivered directly to the community, particularly to pregnant women as a group preparing for childbirth and the breastfeeding period. Providing information during pregnancy is expected to help mothers gain better knowledge about breastfeeding and proper breastfeeding practices. For students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, and inbound delegates from IIUM, this activity also served as a community-based learning experience. Through direct involvement in the field, participants were able to understand the importance of communication and health education tailored to the needs of the community.
This health education activity was related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Educating pregnant women about breastfeeding and proper breastfeeding techniques is one of the promotive and preventive efforts to support maternal and infant health. Increased knowledge during pregnancy is expected to help mothers better prepare for breastfeeding after childbirth. Thus, the education activity at Dukuh Sutorejo Community Health Center became one form of contribution to supporting the improvement of community health and well-being.
In addition to supporting SDG 3, this activity also served as a platform for collaboration and experience sharing between the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, and delegates from IIUM. The involvement of participants from two different institutions and countries provided an opportunity to learn together through health activities conducted directly in the community. This experience can broaden participants’ perspectives on the implementation of health promotion while also improving their ability to interact with the community. This collaboration also became part of international learning that connected academic knowledge with real-world field experience.
Through the education conducted at Dukuh Sutorejo Community Health Center, pregnant women are expected to gain better knowledge about the importance of breastfeeding and proper breastfeeding techniques. This activity not only provided benefits to the community but also provided students and inbound delegates with experience in understanding the implementation of community-based health education. The collaboration between the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, and IIUM is expected to continue supporting learning activities and community health development. Ultimately, this activity became part of a joint effort to support the achievement of SDG 3 through increasing maternal and child health knowledge and awareness.
Writer: Anggun Nabila (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
