Hundreds of new students from the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) were enthusiastic as they filled the Prof. dr. H. Sirajuddin Beku, S.KM Auditorium on 12 August 2025. This time, the Freshman Orientation Program (PKKMB) of FKM UNHAS presented an unconventional topic, a session that took them beyond national borders and disciplinary boundaries.
The focus was on Morgan Tarpenning, a Fulbright Research Fellow and Merigan Infectious Disease Fellow from Stanford University, United States. In clear terms, Morgan presented the results of his research in Makassar, revealing an unexpected connection between piles of trash and the threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever (DBD), Zika, and Chikungunya.
Morgan and his team did not rely solely on conventional methods. They used advanced drone technology to map potential mosquito breeding sites, particularly areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes thrive. This technology enabled them to access hidden locations that were otherwise invisible to the naked eye, including discarded tires stuck on building roofs. “This drone method is 2.4 times more effective in identifying discarded tires compared to ground surveys. We found 22% of discarded tires that were completely invisible from the ground surface,” Morgan revealed.
This precise data, he continued, is crucial. It can serve as a guide for the government and the community to direct health resources and waste management programs to the most at-risk areas, so that prevention efforts can be more targeted. This research does not stop at visual data alone. A holistic approach is key. Morgan also conducted in-depth interviews with 25 housewives in Tallo District. The aim was to gain a direct understanding of their perceptions, practices, and challenges in managing waste at the household level, both during dry and rainy seasons. This qualitative data was combined with approximately 500 survey data from a collaboration between UNHAS and Stanford University.
Throughout the session, new FKM UNHAS students were actively engaged. Critical questions flowed freely, demonstrating a strong curiosity. Morgan’s presence as an international speaker not only enriched their understanding of environmental health issues but also broadened their horizons on how technology and field research can be integrated to create real and beneficial solutions for the community. This special session served as a valuable supplement to the PKKMB, reinforcing FKM UNHAS’s commitment to consistently provide relevant, innovative, and directly impactful learning experiences for public health.
Source: International Office of Hasanuddin University
