The Faculty of Nursing at Universitas Hasanuddin took a role in the efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 through the Bina Desa Program, which focuses on people with visual impairments. The Faculty of Nursing distributed the logistical support and audio education media to the Indonesian Association of Blind People or Persatuan Tunanetra Indonesia (PERTUNI) Makassar Chapter.
This activity took place at PERTUNI Office, Jl. Sunu 3, Jumpandang Baru Kecamatan Tallo Kota Makassar, on Friday (01/05).
Arnis Puspitha as the superviser and Chairperson of the Bina Desa Program Committee explained that this activity was a form of the social care and responsibility to help people in need during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Their concern is the blind community considering that this group of people has a quite big number.
"In Makassar, there is a group of people with visual impairment who are members of the Indonesian Blind Association, with 150 members. The majority of blind people have earned income by providing massage services. But since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, they have lost income," explained Arnis.
Another problem is the lack of media education and socialization of Covid-19 prevention that is suitable and easily understood by blind community. Therefore, as part of community service, the Faculty of Nursing Unhas created an audio education media that can be used to gain information related to the Covid-19.
"Our activities include the education of Covid-19 prevention and guidance for Large-Scale Social Restrictions or Pembatasan Sosial Berskalan Besar (PSBB) in the form of audio, logistical assistance, and distribution of 50 packs of liquid hand washing soap and 100 cloth face masks," explained Arnis.
Through this program, it is expected that this program can increase the social awareness of students, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, education through digital audio about Covid-19 prevention materials and PSBB guidelines, is expected to improve the understanding of hygiene living behaviour for people with visual impairments, such as how to wash hands, use masks, keep a distance and so on. (* / Mir )
Editor :Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
Head of sub-directorate of Public Relation and Information
Directorate of Communication Hasanuddin University
Translator: Kumara Tungga Dewa and Karmila Mokoginta
