On Saturday, March 25 2023 in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology UGM, the opening and presentation of the Workshop material took place: “MOSQUITOES AND FLIES-BORNE DISEASE: INTRODUCTION TO MOSQUITOES AND FLY AND ITS ROLE”. Vector-borne diseases are common in subtropical & tropical areas, including in Indonesia and contribute around 17% of all infectious diseases. This workshop was held to study vectors that play a role in disease transmission. Biological vectors, namely mosquitoes (larval and adult stages); Aedes aegypti (Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika virus vectors), Culex quinquefasciatus (urban filariasis vector, Japanese encephalitis virus), and Anopheles vagus (malaria vector); as well as flies, Tabanus sp. [(pineapple fly, Jw), vector of surra disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi]. In addition, studying mechanical vectors, including Musca domestica, Chrysomya, and the meat fly, Sarcophaga.
The event began with an opening which was followed by a Report from the Head of the Committee by Wali Nasir S. Umri who said that the workshop participants exceeded the target, namely 27 people out of the targeted 20 participants. Participants are Undergraduate Program students, Doctoral Program students, alumni of the Faculty. Biology UGM, and participants from PT Rentokil-Initial.
The whole series of events went smoothly, and the participants were very enthusiastic. Before delivering the material, a pretest was carried out, this was to measure participants’ understanding of mosquitoes and flies. The presentation of Introduction to Flies material was delivered by Dr.Dra.Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, DAP&E, M. Biomed and mosquito materials were presented by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes. After Ishoma, the activity continued with a practicum which took place at the Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Animal Systematics, Faculty of Biology UGM. The 27 participants were divided into 3 groups which took turns observing, identifying and making identification keys based on the important morphological attributes/characters for identification. In addition to a book containing workshop material, a practicum guide has also been prepared which makes the practicum easier. The event ended with the delivery of certificates and merchandise for active participants. In the practicum event guided by assistants Afraneta Aulya, S.Si, Aluyia Nur Illahi, S.Si; and Wali Nasir S. Umri, S.Si, as well as the instructor Atika Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Sc. Hopefully this short workshop is useful, providing valuable knowledge and learning that can improve careers, research innovation, and collaboration. Thanks to PT Rentokil Initial for the support for this event and all the committee for the good cooperation.