Hasanuddin University, through its faculties, study programs, student associations, and professional organizations, maintains a strong commitment to advancing public health and community well-being. Among its various initiatives, particular emphasis has been placed on sustained promoting oral and dental health through education, outreach, and the delivery of essential health services to diverse communities.

Strengthening its community engagement, a team of lecturers from the Faculty of Dentistry of Hasanuddin University conducted an oral health education and dental check-up program for schoolchildren in Gowa. This program was designed continuously (way back 5 years) to assist local partners in revitalizing the School Dental Health Program (UKGS) and the Community Dental Health Program (UKGM) through socialization, training, organizational mentoring, and the provision of oral and dental healthcare services. In addition, the team facilitated the installation of clean water facilities powered by renewable energy sources, reflecting the integration of health promotion with sustainable development efforts.

The Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Hasanuddin University Dental and Oral Teaching Hospital (RSGMP), also carries out a series of community outreach programs aimed at improving oral health awareness and strengthening preventive practices. These activities include oral health education, hands-on training, mentoring, and the provision of free dental services for underserved populations. In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Faculty of Dentistry and RSGMP organized a social service event as part of the 2024 National Dental Health Month (BKGN). The program included dental examinations and oral health education tailored to the needs of various disability communities, including the Down’s Syndrome Community (KOADS), Autism Community of Makassar (KOAM), Indonesian Deaf Welfare Movement (GERKATIN), Indonesian Blind Union (PERTUNI), Movement for Disability and Welfare (PERDIK), and the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities (PPDI). Pediatric dentistry specialist students provided oral examinations for 30 participants from these communities, followed by targeted oral health education sessions based on their specific needs.

Complementing these health initiatives, the Faculty of Nursing, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), organized a Basic Training for Community Health Cadres for 30 refugees residing in Makassar. The training aimed to build health leadership and strengthen community-based healthcare capacity among refugee populations, focusing on hygiene promotion, disease prevention, and primary health education.

Moreover, Hasanuddin University has implemented a series of outreach programs that address various aspects of public health, including hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, disease prevention, physical fitness, and community empowerment. The following activities reflect the university’s broad engagement and contribution to community well-being:

• Health Education on Responsible Skincare Use

Conducted by the Faculty of Pharmacy through its Microbiology and Pharmaceutics Laboratories, this program at SMA Negeri 6 Makassar educated students on the responsible selection and use of skincare products. The activity promoted awareness of healthy skin practices and encouraged a more natural and responsible approach to personal care.

• Maternal and Child Health Awareness Campaign

Organized by the Faculty of Medicine during Unhas Car Free Day under the theme “Healthy Mothers, Smart Children Towards Golden Indonesia 2045.” This initiative focused on promoting family health awareness and contributing to the national agenda of reducing stunting prevalence in Indonesia.

• Tuberculosis Education and NCD Screening

The Epidemiology Student Association (Himapid) of the Faculty of Public Health conducted TB education and non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings at Unhas Car Free Day and the student dormitory (Ramsis). The activity increased public understanding of TB prevention and promoted early detection of NCDs within the community.

• Adolescent Reproductive Health Education

The Diploma in Nursing Study Program, in collaboration with Tamalanrea Jaya Health Services and the local Health Office, organized sessions on anemia prevention through iron supplementation, breast self-examination (BSE), and strategies to prevent cyberbullying among adolescents.

• Free Medical Service for Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Indonesian Society of Anesthesiology for Pain Management (ISAPM), in collaboration with Hasanuddin University Hospital (RSP Unhas), provided free medical services on July 14, 2024, offering treatment for musculoskeletal complaints such as muscle, knee, shoulder, and bone pain. This activity expanded access to healthcare for communities in need.

• Empowerment of Students with Disabilities as Young Health Ambassadors

Through the Community Service Student Creativity Program (PKM-PM), Hasanuddin University implemented a project titled “Tiny Wellness Guardian: Optimizing the Independence of Students with Disabilities as Young Health Ambassadors” at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. The program trained children with disabilities in first aid, personal hygiene, physical fitness, waste management, emotional regulation, and confidence building—empowering them to become active advocates for healthy living within their communities.