ULM’s Women’s Health Association (DWP) Commemorates 26th Anniversary with Health Seminar, Emphasizing ULM’s Role in Cervical Cancer Prevention Education
Banjarmasin – In celebration of the 26th anniversary of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), through DWP ULM, held a peak event in the form of a Health Seminar entitled “DWP ULM Health Talk: Smart Strategies to Prevent Cervical Cancer.” This activity demonstrated ULM’s strategic role in supporting the improvement of women’s health and family education as a foundation for achieving Indonesia Emas 2025.
The health seminar featured Prof. Dr. dr. Hj. Nia Kania, Sp.PA(K), a specialist in Anatomical Pathology from the Banjarmasin Special Surgery Hospital, as the main speaker. The event was moderated by Dr. Muzdalifah, SE., M.Si., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Economics and Business, ULM, and was attended by DWP members and the ULM academic community.
The Chairperson of the DWP ULM, Dra. Hj. Rosni Rallang Ahmad, in her remarks stated that the 26th anniversary commemoration of DWP ULM had begun with a series of social activities, such as a blood drive, free medical treatment, and a health seminar.
“Alhamdulillah, today DWP ULM is holding the peak event of its 26th anniversary celebration. Thank you for the support of all parties, so that the series of activities can run smoothly and benefit us all,” she said.
In her presentation, Prof. Nia Kania comprehensively explained cervical cancer, from its definition and causes to the importance of early detection through screening. She emphasized that cervical cancer develops gradually from normal to abnormal cells, generally due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This process can take 15–20 years before developing into malignant cancer. Therefore, regular screening is key to prevention.
In addition to screening, the speaker also emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination as a primary preventative measure, although the vaccine is currently not completely free and still requires individual awareness and commitment to complete the vaccination on schedule.
As a concrete implementation of health education, at the end of the seminar, participants had the opportunity to undergo an HPV DNA test facilitated by the Tirta Medical Center Laboratory. This facility is part of ULM and DWP ULM’s efforts to encourage early detection and raise awareness of women’s health.
Through this activity, Lambung Mangkurat University affirmed its commitment not only as an institution of higher education but also as an agent of social change, actively educating the public, especially women, on maintaining their health and family quality of life. This role is expected to contribute significantly to producing a healthy, empowered, and knowledgeable generation, leading to a more advanced Indonesia.
