Students from the O’hana Foundation at Divine Word University (DWU) have carried out a community health awareness program in Riwo, Madang Province, aimed at promoting healthy living and preventing common diseases.
The outreach, conducted earlier today, focused on educating villagers about major health concerns, including tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. The team explained what these diseases are, how to identify early symptoms, and practical ways to prevent their spread.
In addition, the students emphasized the importance of basic hygiene practices such as proper toilet use, regular handwashing, and maintaining a clean environment to reduce the risk of illness.
The program also targeted mothers and families, delivering awareness on maternal health, safe pregnancy practices, newborn care, and the importance of family planning. Information on preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was also shared to encourage healthier lifestyles within the community.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Year Two Health Extension student at DWU, Schmidt Gamba, said the initiative was driven by the lack of health awareness observed in many communities.
“We see that many people are still getting preventable diseases because of limited awareness. That is why we felt it was important to come out and share what we have learned,” he said.
Gamba added that the outreach also provides an opportunity for students, especially those in the medical field, to give back to the community.
“As a clinical student, I feel it is my responsibility to take the lead in sharing health knowledge. It’s about giving back what we have learned in school,” he said.
The O’hana Foundation is made up mostly of students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at DWU, including those studying Health Extension (Rural Health), Environmental Health, and Health Management. The group also includes students from Social Sciences and Arts, as well as a postgraduate student undertaking an Advanced Diploma in Eye Care.
Gamba highlighted that meaningful change in communities begins with individual responsibility.
“In order for change to happen, we must take initiative and be responsible citizens. It starts with small actions, and these can lead to bigger changes for ourselves, our communities, and our country,” he said.
This marks the group’s first community outreach for the year, with plans already in place to visit more communities across Madang Province as the year progresses.
Over the past four years, the foundation has also been involved in activities such as blood donation drives and providing support to Modilon General Hospital.
The group is encouraging other tertiary students to join their efforts and make a positive impact in the province.
