Bandung, June 6, 2026 – Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the greatest public health challenges in Indonesia. In addition to requiring proper medical treatment, efforts to eliminate TB also require improved health literacy so that the public can recognize symptoms, understand how the disease is transmitted, and avoid stigmatizing survivors. To address these needs, Cita Sehat, together with the Ibrahim Adjie Community Health Center (UPTD Ibrahim Adjie) and students from the Bandung Polytechnic of Health Sciences (Poltekkes Bandung), launched the TB Care Program and App in the Cibangkong sub-district of Bandung City.
The launch of this program, which involved 30 teenagers, marks the first step toward fostering a younger generation that is more aware of tuberculosis issues. Through a combination of health education and digital innovation, participants were equipped with both the knowledge and skills to use the TB Care app as a learning tool and a means of disseminating accurate health information.
Why Does Tuberculosis Education for teenagers matter so much?
Tuberculosis(TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease remains a public health issue that requires serious attention because it can affect anyone, including people of working age and adolescents.
Unfortunately, many people still have misconceptions about TB. A lack of accurate information often leads to stigma against those living with the disease, thereby hindering both treatment and early detection.
Teenagers occupy a strategic position as a group that actively interacts at school, within their social circles, and on social media. By equipping them with accurate knowledge, we hope to foster agents of change who can positively disseminate health information to their families and communities.
This is the foundation upon which the TB Care Program was established.
TB Care Program Combines Education and Digital Technology
In addition to providing health education, TB Care Program also introduced an innovation in the form of the TB Care App, developed by Luthfi Dermawan, a student at the Bandung Polytechnic of Health Sciences (Poltekkes Bandung).
This app was designed as an educational tool specifically for teenagers under the Cita Sehat program. Through this digital platform, users can access reliable information about tuberculosis, learn about prevention measures, and understand the importance of early detection.
The use of technology is an approach that aligns well with the characteristics of the younger generation, who are already familiar with using smartphones in their daily lives.
As a result, the process of learning about health doesn’t stop in the training room but can take place anytime and anywhere.
Multiple Educational Materials Were Provided to Participants
Throughout the event, participants were provided with a variety of materials presented in an interactive format that made them easy to understand.
In addition to the presentation sessions, participants also took part in demonstrations on how to use the TB Care app. They were encouraged to try out various features so they could understand how to use the app as a credible source of health information.
This approach is expected to increase teenagers’ interest in continuing to learn about health through digital media that is more closely integrated into their daily lives.
Collaboration as the Key to Strengthening Promotive and Preventive Measures
The launch of the TB Care Program serves as a concrete example of the importance of cross-sector collaboration in improving public health.
On that occasion, a representative from Cita Sehat stated that the success of tuberculosis elimination depends not only on health services but also on increased public awareness.
“We hope this collaboration will improve public health literacy, particularly among teenagers, so that they not only understand the dangers of tuberculosis but can also become advocates for healthy lifestyles within their families and schools.”
The statement emphasizes that adolescents have great potential to drive behavioral change toward a healthy lifestyle.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Ibrahim Adjie Community Health Center (UPTD Ibrahim Adjie) expressed their appreciation for the collaboration with Cita Sehat and students from the Bandung Polytechnic of Health Sciences (Poltekkes Bandung).
They believe that cross-sector collaboration is a crucial foundation for strengthening promotive and preventive services while accelerating efforts to eliminate tuberculosis through ongoing education.
Young People as Agents of Change in the Elimination of Tuberculosis
Changes in public behavior often begin in the immediate environment—namely, the family and school.
Through the TB Care Program, teenagers are expected not only to be recipients of information but also to become messengers of health information to those around them.
When a teenager understands the symptoms of TB, recognizes the importance of early screening, and refrains from stigmatizing survivors, they contribute to breaking the chain of misinformation.
The more teenagers who possess good health literacy, the greater the chance of creating a society that is more committed to preventing infectious diseases.
Cita Sehat’s Commitment in Supporting a Tuberculosis-Free Indonesia
TB Care Program is part of Cita Sehat’s commitment to providing health programs that are not only curative but also prioritize promotive and preventive aspects.
Through various collaborations with the government, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, the business sector, and the community, Cita Sehat continues to strive to deliver innovations capable of answering the public health challenges facing Indonesia.
The launch of the TB Care Program demonstrates that the use of digital technology can expand the reach of health education while strengthening community participation in supporting the national tuberculosis elimination target.
Moving forward, it is hoped that such synergies will reach more regions, so that an increasing number of young people will develop a sense of responsibility for their own health, that of their families, and their surrounding communities.
Let’s Support the Healthy Indonesia Movement
Achieving a tuberculosis-free Indonesia requires collaboration among all parties. Let’s be part of the change by spreading accurate health information, supporting public education, and participating in various health programs initiated by Cita Sehat.
Together, we can build a healthier, more caring society free from the stigma surrounding tuberculosis.
About Cita Sehat
Cita Sehat is a nonprofit organization focused on improving public health through promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative approaches. Together with various partners from the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and the community, Cita Sehat continues to deliver sustainable health programs to build a healthier Indonesia.
