Tuesday, 7 May 2024, The Faculty of Biology Library Universitas Gadjah Mada organized the Book Launch and discussion of “Kantong Terakhir Anak Adalah Amanah Tuhan” by Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, SU in anticipation of World Thalassemia Day. The event consisted of blood donation and book review. The blood donation was held in collaboration with the UGM Academic Hospital Blood Donation Unit and was attended by over 60 participants, including members of the Faculty of Biology and public. The blood donation took place from 08:00 – 12:30 WIB at the Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center (MSIBC) building, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
The Launching and Book Review of “Kantong Terakhir Anak Adalah Amanah Tuhan” by Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, SU took place from 10:00 to 12:15 WIB at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, and was also streamed via the Kanal Pengetahuan Biologi YouTube Channel. The event began with an opening speech by Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes, as the committee chairman and the Head of the Faculty of Biology Library, who expressed utmost appreciation to the speakers, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, SU, and the book reviewer Dr. dr. Sri Mulatsih, Sp.A. (K), MPH, and was moderated by Dr.Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc.. The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.
The event preceded with presentation from Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, SU as the book author. The book contains the life journey of his son, Yudistira Briliantama as a Thalassemia patient from birth to adulthood. Besides that, Prof. Suwarno also educated the audience about the history of thalassemia and general knowledge about it. He also discussed the burdens faced by thalassemia patients and their caregivers, including psychological, social, and economic burdens. After the speaker session concluded, the activity continued with a review session.
The review session was led by Dr. Sri Mulatsih, Sp.A. (K), MPH, who is a pediatrician at Dr. Sardjito Hospital. Dr. Mulat shared her interpretation of the book “Kantong Terakhir.” Additionally, she provided updates on current conditions related to thalassemia management, ranging from oral iron chelator medication to changes in thalassemia carrier consultation methods implemented by her. After the review session ended, it proceeded to a question and answer session moderated by the host. Three participants raised questions directed towards Prof. Suwarno and Dr. Mulat. After the Q&A session concluded, the event continued with the distribution of door prizes to participants. The activity concluded with a lunch together at the west side of the Tropical Biology Auditorium.
