MATERI

In Bali, a group of 25 brave mothers shared their stories with researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran, led by Dr. Dany Hilmanto and colleagues. They spoke about living with HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B—and their struggles to prevent passing these infections to their babies.

Their voices revealed both progress and painful gaps. Government programs mandate testing during pregnancy, and NGOs provide crucial support. Yet stigma, long hospital waits, lack of information, and administrative hurdles continue to prevent many mothers from accessing the care they desperately need. Some women, especially non-residents without proper ID, described being excluded from health insurance. Others shared the fear of their partners refusing to get tested.

What shines through is the mothers’ determination. Many said their strongest motivation was the dream of giving birth to a healthy child. With the right support—compassionate midwives, accessible testing, and family encouragement—they could overcome barriers.

The study is a reminder that eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B requires more than policies. It requires listening to mothers. Their lived experiences must shape healthcare services that are integrated, respectful, and stigma-free.

By amplifying these voices, Unpad contributes not only to SDG 3: Good Health but also to SDG 5: Gender Equality, ensuring women receive fair, humane, and comprehensive care. This people-centered research strengthens Indonesia’s path toward the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating these infections in newborns—and boosts Unpad’s standing as a university that listens, innovates, and acts.

Indonesia faces two intertwined health battles: childhood stunting and the rising prevalence of asthma. Dr. Agnes Rengga Indrati from Universitas Padjadjaran uncovered a troubling connection—the risk of asthma is significantly higher among stunted children.

Her research, involving a community-based study, revealed that poor growth in early childhood weakens not just physical stature but also lung development and immune defenses. This dual burden leaves children vulnerable to chronic respiratory disease, compounding inequalities in health and education.

“These children already face disadvantages. Knowing they are also at greater risk of asthma should push us to act faster,” Dr. Indrati emphasized. Preventing stunting through better nutrition, maternal care, and early interventions could also mean reducing the future burden of asthma.

The findings make prevention an urgent priority. Parents can take action by ensuring balanced diets, routine child growth monitoring, and seeking early treatment for breathing difficulties. Public health systems must integrate asthma screening into child nutrition programs, particularly in vulnerable communities.

This research supports SDG 3: Good Health and SDG 2: Zero Hunger, highlighting the need to address malnutrition not only as a growth issue but also as a respiratory health risk. Unpad’s contribution reveals how tackling one problem can simultaneously reduce another, advancing smarter, integrated health solutions for Indonesia and beyond.

Atypical cleft hand is one of the rarest congenital orthopedic disorders in the world. For the young patient in Bandung, it meant struggling with basic tasks and growing up with visible differences that set him apart from his peers.

Recognizing the urgency, Dr. Yoyos Dias Ismiarto and his surgical team at Universitas Padjadjaran devised a patient-centered corrective plan. Unlike standard cases, this atypical cleft hand presented unique challenges—missing digits and abnormal gaps in the hand’s structure. The team meticulously reconstructed the hand to maximize function while preserving cosmetic appearance.

The surgery was not only technically complex but symbolically powerful. It showed that rare conditions need not leave children permanently disabled or socially isolated. “Our goal is always to ensure children can live independently, with confidence,” said Dr. Yoyos.

Beyond the operating room, this case contributes knowledge to global medical literature. By documenting rare cases and their solutions, Unpad surgeons help doctors worldwide learn how to handle conditions that textbooks barely mention.

This breakthrough ties into SDG 3: Good Health by improving child survival and well-being, and SDG 4: Quality Education—because children who can use their hands fully can participate better in school. It is a reminder that medical innovation does not always mean high-tech—it can also mean high-impact care for those most in need.

At Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, the story of a child born with bilateral polydactyly—extra fingers and toes—unfolded. For most, these tiny differences might seem cosmetic, but for the child and family, they represented a daily struggle, from difficulty grasping objects to the stigma of being “different.”

Led by Dr. Yoyos Dias Ismiarto from Universitas Padjadjaran, surgeons performed a delicate corrective procedure that did more than reshape hands and feet—it reshaped futures. Using innovative surgical techniques, the team addressed both preaxial (extra thumb-side digits) and postaxial (extra little-finger-side digits) polydactyly, along with syndactyly, where fingers were fused.

The surgery restored not only physical function but also dignity. “Every child deserves the chance to hold a pencil, to play freely, to feel normal,” Dr. Yoyos explained. His words highlight the profound psychological and social weight carried by conditions often dismissed as rare.

The impact stretches beyond the individual case. This surgery demonstrates that even in low-resource settings, advanced reconstructive care can be accessible. By training young surgeons and sharing expertise, Unpad expands capacity for pediatric orthopedic care across Indonesia.

The achievement contributes directly to SDG 3: Good Health by enhancing pediatric care and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by giving disadvantaged children access to life-changing surgery. For the families, it is more than medicine—it is hope delivered through skilled hands.