Malaysia – The Faculty of Medicine at the Indonesian Muslim University (FK UMI), in collaboration with the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM), is strengthening reproductive health education and literacy for women and adolescents through an international community service initiative titled “Reproductive Health Education for Women and Adolescents.” This event was held on October 9, 2026, in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, through a collaboration between UMI and USIM PACE.
The event aimed to increase public knowledge and awareness regarding the importance of maintaining reproductive health at various stages of life. A total of 30 participants attended the event, which was conducted using an educational and interactive approach. The UMI outreach team featured Dr. Shulhana Mokhtar and Dr. Sri Wahyuni Gayatri as speakers, who presented the material using simple language and visual aids to ensure it was easily understood by the general public, workers, and students.
The educational material covered various aspects of reproductive health, ranging from women’s reproductive health throughout the life cycle, adolescent reproductive health and menstruation, prevention of reproductive tract infections, to an introduction to cervical and breast cancer. Participants also received explanations regarding normal bodily changes, the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene, and signs of health issues that require medical examination.
During the discussion on the prevention of cervical and breast cancer, the speakers emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination, recognizing changes in the body, and undergoing examinations or screenings appropriate for one’s age, health condition, and medical professionals’ recommendations. It is hoped that this educational session will help participants become more vigilant and understand the importance of preventive measures and early detection.
In addition to physical health, this session also addressed the connection between mental health and reproductive health. Participants were encouraged to understand the impact of stress, mood, sleep quality, healthy relationships, consent, and personal boundaries on their health and quality of life. The speakers also highlighted the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and regular health checkups.
To assess participants’ understanding, the program began with a pre-test before the presentation of the material and continued with a post-test after the educational session. The series of activities also included interactive discussions that gave participants the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on reproductive health information encountered in daily life. The post-education evaluation results showed an increase in participants’ understanding of reproductive health information.
The event, which lasted until 1:30 p.m. local time, concluded with expressions of appreciation to USIM PACE, the speakers, the organizing committee, and all participants. As a symbol of the partnership between the two institutions, the UMI team also presented a plaque of appreciation to USIM. This collaboration exemplifies the contribution of the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) and the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) in the fields of education and cross-border health promotion. Through international community service activities, the UMI Faculty of Medicine helps strengthen the role of higher education institutions in disseminating accurate health information, raising public awareness, and encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
Moving forward, educational activities such as this are expected to expand access to reproductive health literacy for women and adolescents, while simultaneously strengthening international cooperation networks in the fields of medical education and community service. These efforts align with the importance of building a society that is more health-conscious and capable of making informed decisions based on reliable information.