UMM FK-Fikes International Conference Studying Pandemic and Sustainable Development

Vice Chancellor I of UMM, Prof. Dr. Syamsul Arifin, M.Si who opened the conference event. (Photo: Istimewah)

The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) held an international and prestigious event again. Collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine (FK) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (Fikes) is realized through the International Conference on Medical and Health Science (ICMedH). Interestingly, the conference held on Saturday (25/9) reviewed the theme "Community Health: Addressing the Impact of Covid-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals". This plan also invites various researchers from various countries to enrich the study.

dr. Yoyok Subagyo, as the Chief Executive, said that this international conference was the first collaboration event held by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Faculty of UMM. According to him, the last two years have been difficult times. Including the medical and medical world in dealing with Covid-19. Many residents and health workers have become victims of this deadly virus.

He also considered that the pandemic had changed several human habits. However, it does not change the effort to continue conducting research and compiling widely proper quality papers. "This international conference will present many researchers who have produced various interesting and best articles. They will discuss many aspects, both in terms of prevention, curative, and rehabilitation related to Covid-19," he explained.

Opening the conference, Prof. Dr. Syamsul Arifin, M.Sc. as Deputy Chancellor I of UMM, appreciated the collaboration carried out by FK and Fikes in the implementation of this event. Not to forget, he also warmly welcomed the speakers and presenters who would discuss various matters in the health sector. According to him, without their presence, this conference would not run well and interestingly.

Syamsul hopes that ICMedH can become an annual event and form an exciting forum for discussion. Mainly in the aspects of medicine and health. He also wants this conference to produce broader publications and have a good impact on the surrounding area. "Widely, it can be implemented and applied in the residences and countries of each participant. I believe that this agenda is a concrete step that we are taking in our efforts to develop research in the field of medicine and health," he said.

One of the speakers, Ryuichi Sawa, Ph.D. from Juntendo University Japan, explained Japan as a country with great old age and Covid-19. As of September 2021, Ryuichi said that the percentage of people over 65 had reached 29.1% in Japan. According to him, the situation is also a challenge in itself, especially in a pandemic.

Ryuichi again explained what could do several things to overcome disability and the weak age in a pandemic, especially in Japan. Increasing social participation is very much needed. Physical activity also needs to be encouraged to maintain public health. He still emphasized the importance of keeping a distance from each other so that the transmission of COVID-19 could be suppressed. "Coupled with minimizing activities outside and staying indoors," he said.

In addition, when must maximize the use of digital technology. He gave an example of the KAYOINOBA online application issued by the Japanese ministry of health. On the platform, people can find health check features, exercise programs, and cognitive training. It even provides route recommendations for walking to stay safe.

Besides Ryuichi, ICMedH also presented other expert speakers. Dr. Nazrila Haiziran Nashir from the Malaysian Ministry of Health and Prof. Yi Hua Chen, Ph.D., from TMU Taiwan. UMM also enlivened the discussion with two other speakers, Dr. Febri Endra Budi and Dr. Tri Lestari Handayani. (wil)