A team of Hasanuddin University lecturers conducted training as part of a community service program in collaboration with Bulukumba Orchid Cadres in Mattirowalie Village. The community service program, one of the Tridharma of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), was carried out by the Unhas lecturer team. This activity aimed to increase the capacity of Posyandu (Integrated Service Post) cadres in providing holistic services through mental health screenings, physical exercise, and healthy snacks for breastfeeding.
The team leader, Dr. Jumrah, S.ST., M.Keb., along with members Nur Hikmawaty Hasbiah, S.Ft., Physio., M.Kes., Ns. Nurlaila Fitriani, S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.Kep.J., and Dr. dr. Elizabet Catherine Jusuf, Sp.OG(K), M.Kes., conducted the activity with the theme “Implementation of the POKALIS Program,” which combines physical and mental needs. This activity was made possible with funding from the Hasanuddin University Research and Community Service Institute.
This two-day community service program, held on July 10-11, 2026, presented material on maternal health, both biologically and psychologically. The material began with an explanation of maternal health concepts through screening for danger signs in breastfeeding mothers, mental health, physical exercise, and the preparation of healthy snacks for breastfeeding mothers. The material was provided to better prepare cadres for the physical and mental preparation of breastfeeding mothers in the Balibo Community Health Center (Puskesmas) work area. On the second day, participants were presented with oxytocin massage and mental health screening exercises conducted by cadres for breastfeeding mothers attending integrated health posts (Posyandu). Participants conducted a screening simulation using the DASS questionnaire to assess maternal mental health.
According to the team leader, Dr. Jumrah, S.ST., M.Keb., this activity was conducted as an effort to assist cadres in increasing their capacity to conduct initial mental and physical health screenings and to teach mothers about relaxation exercise techniques and healthy snacks that can help increase breast milk production. Maintaining maternal physical and mental health is crucial in supporting the Exclusive Breastfeeding program. All participants, including cadres and breastfeeding mothers, were enthusiastic about the two-day activity. The cadres hope this activity will continue to improve the capacity of cadres in the Balibo Community Health Center area.
This activity was implemented through an evaluation process, including pre- and post-tests on participant knowledge, as well as live simulations to assess their skills. Furthermore, to ensure the continuity of the activity, mentoring was provided via WhatsApp, snack-making videos, and program modules.
The community service team would like to thank the partners involved, including the Anggrek Posyandu cadres, the Mattirowalie Village for facilitating the activity, the participants and the community service team for their attendance, and the Hasanuddin University Institute of Public Health (LPPM) for providing the opportunity to serve through the 2026 Community Partnership Program grant. We hope this activity will have a significant impact on all parties involved and benefit maternal health services.