MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SLEMAN – Muhammadiyah cooperated with the Ministry of Health and USAID to launch a collaborative program aimed at eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in Indonesia. The program’s launch coincided with World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed annually on June 5th. The event, held at Masjid Sudja PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping, Sleman, highlighted Muhammadiyah extensive experience and unwavering dedication to tackling this critical public health challenge.
Indonesia currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-highest TB burden in the world, trailing only India. The TB Mentari Muhammadiyah program signifies a critical step towards addressing this alarming situation. This collaborative initiative involves 13 hospitals from five different faith-based organizations, pooling their resources and expertise to make a significant impact in reducing TB cases across the country.
Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in the program development and implementation. He emphasized that this collaborative effort serves as a continuation of Muhammadiyah’s and ‘Aisyiyah’s decade-long fight against TB. This dedication reflects Muhammadiyah’s broader commitment to addressing various national challenges, encompassing sectors like education, social welfare, and healthcare.
Haedar Nashir also shed light on Muhammadiyah’s remarkable legacy in healthcare. The organization’s commitment to public health dates back to 1923, with the establishment of the PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital. This rich history serves as a testament to Muhammadiyah’s unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of the Indonesian people.
Beyond healthcare, Muhammadiyah has consistently played a vital role in driving national progress across various sectors. The organization’s contributions extend to education, social development, and numerous other fields.
“Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) is a core vision that guides Muhammadiyah’s endeavors,” Haedar Nashir explained. This vision, shared by other Islamic organizations, emphasizes the importance of progress in all aspects of life, both at the individual and societal level.
The event brought together other figures to showcase a united front in the fight against TB. These included dr. Agus Taufiqurrahman, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah; Agus Syamsudin, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Council for Public Health; Jeff Kowen, Director of the USAID Office of Health, and representatives from various faith-based organizations.
