UNU Jogja Pharmacy Student Wins Runner-Up II and Best Favorite at Duta Kesehatan DIY 2026, Advocates for Environmental Sanitation

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Ghina Fadhilah, a 2024 student of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), has achieved remarkable success at the Duta Kesehatan DIY 2026 competition. She was named Runner-Up II and also received the Best Favorite award.

In the competition, Ghina highlighted the issue of environmental health, with a particular focus on sanitation. She believes that access to proper sanitation is a fundamental factor in building healthy, productive, and empowered communities. Driven by this concern, she introduced an initiative called SAPA JOGJA (Sanitasi Terpadu Warga Yogyakarta).

SAPA JOGJA was designed to increase public awareness, participation, and access to information related to healthy and sustainable sanitation practices. The initiative consists of two main components.

The first is Sanitation Mapping, which involves identifying sanitation conditions and environmental pollution risk areas, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. The program is carried out in collaboration with community health volunteers, local authorities, and the Health Office to obtain accurate data that can serve as the basis for targeted interventions and educational efforts.

The second component is a Digital Education and Advocacy Platform, which utilizes digital media to disseminate information about sanitation and environmental health. Through this platform, the public can access educational and advocacy content presented in an engaging, accessible, and easy-to-understand format. The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage healthier and cleaner living habits.

"Through SAPA JOGJA, I hope to become a bridge between communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in creating a healthier environment and improving the quality of public health in the Special Region of Yogyakarta," Ghina said.

The Journey to the Duta Kesehatan DIY 2026 Stage

Ghina's achievements were the result of extensive preparation throughout the competition. She actively worked on every stage of the assessment process, including producing a profile video, preparing and practicing speeches, developing a talent performance, conducting health education and advocacy activities, and refining the program aligned with the health issue she championed.

She also strengthened her public speaking skills, broadened her understanding of current health issues, and developed discipline and effective time management throughout the competition. These efforts reflected her aspiration to embody the qualities of an intellectual, approachable, and impactful health ambassador capable of educating and advocating for the public.

Her journey began with the registration process on January 19, 2026. After passing the administrative selection announced on March 1, 2026, she advanced to the written examination and interview stage held on March 8, 2026. The results, announced on March 11, 2026, secured her place among the finalists.

As a finalist, Ghina participated in a series of intensive activities, including a technical meeting, photoshoots, profile video production, community health education and advocacy programs, and the preparation of program presentation reports and talent performance videos. The finalists also attended three stages of quarantine and several catwalk training sessions as part of their preparation for the grand finale.

The competition culminated in the Grand Final of Duta Kesehatan DIY 2026 on June 14, 2026, where Ghina earned the titles of Runner-Up II and Best Favorite.

"I am truly grateful for this achievement. To me, this title is not merely an accomplishment but also a responsibility to continue educating the public about the importance of health, especially environmental health and sanitation. I hope to make meaningful contributions to society while bringing pride to Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta," she said.

Supporting Pharmacy Students to Create Meaningful Impact

As a university committed to preparing globally competitive healthcare professionals, UNU Jogja continuously encourages students to develop their potential from the beginning of their academic journey. Students are equipped not only with academic competencies in pharmacy but also with opportunities to contribute to addressing health challenges within society.

Through various competency development programs, students are encouraged to strengthen their communication, leadership, teamwork, and awareness of emerging health issues. The university also supports student participation in regional, national, and international competitions as platforms for achievement and innovation.

In addition, Pharmacy students gain learning experiences that bridge theory and practice through community service activities, internship programs, and student organizations that enhance both professional and social competencies. Classroom learning is also designed to foster critical thinking, encourage students to express their ideas confidently, and equip them to educate the public based on strong scientific foundations.

The Head of UNU Jogja's Pharmacy Program, Muhammad Alfian, expressed his appreciation for Ghina's accomplishment. According to him, her success demonstrates that Pharmacy students are expected not only to excel academically but also to possess social awareness and the ability to communicate health information effectively to the public.

"The sanitation issue raised by Ghina is highly relevant to promotive and preventive healthcare efforts. We hope this achievement inspires other students to take on the role of agents of change through education and health advocacy grounded in scientific knowledge," he said. [Latifah]