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Fajar’s project addressed the complex barriers to tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in Makassar by establishing a holistic family and community support network. The project targeted three key challenges: mental health, financial hardship, and stigma—factors that often hinder TB patients from completing their treatment. By engaging TB patients, families, survivors, healthcare workers, and mental health professionals, the initiative created an inclusive support system that combined treatment education, psychosocial assistance, and economic empowerment.
Key activities included the project launch and socialisation for TB cadres, the formation of a support network involving healthcare workers, survivors, families, and mental health counselors, and mental health screening using the WHO SRQ-20 tool. Although delays occurred due to low numbers of confirmed TB patients, the project successfully screened 30 individuals, identifying 11 with mental health disorders. The campaign #SayaBisaSembuh (I Can Be Cured) was launched both online and offline to reduce stigma, share survivor stories, and promote treatment continuation. Additionally, the “Knitting Hope” economic empowerment initiative provided training for patients and their families to generate income through handcrafts.
Despite delays and challenges in participant recruitment, the project achieved significant reach and impact. Collaborations with mental health NGOs, youth organizations, and social enterprises helped improve project delivery and broaden awareness. TB survivors played a key role in education and advocacy, making the campaign more relatable and effective. Lessons learned included the importance of adaptability, trust-building, and multisectoral collaboration in health-centered community development.