UNAIR Chemistry Department Holds Hand Sanitizer Making Training in Cup Village Driyorejo Gresik
The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, conducted another community service initiative on Monday (29/11). This service took place at the Cangkir Village Hall under the theme “Training on Hand Sanitizer Production Towards Healthy Smart Villages.” The event was attended by PKK Cadres from Cangkir Village, Driyorejo District, Gresik Regency.
The training session began with a pre-test to assess participants’ knowledge levels regarding the upcoming material, followed by a presentation by Prof. Dr. Purkan, S.Si., M.Si., on Coronavirus, including its symptoms, transmission, and prevention measures. Prof. Dr. Purkan, who specializes in biochemistry, also discussed the effects of microbes and viruses when they come into contact with human hands and methods for prevention, including the use of hand sanitizers. The presentation was interactive, featuring a question-and-answer session with participants.
The second segment involved a practical session on making hand sanitizer according to WHO recommendations, led by Qurrota A’yuni, S.Si., M.Si. “To create an effective hand sanitizer that can kill viruses, the concentration and proportions of each ingredient must be precise according to the procedure,” explained Qurrota. During the practical session, participant representatives came forward to directly practice making alcohol-based hand sanitizer, assisted by students serving as laboratory assistants. The event concluded with a post-test to assess participants’ understanding after receiving the materials and hands-on training.
At the end of the event, each participant was provided with a 20 ml bottle of hand sanitizer produced during the workshop. The community service held in Cangkir Village received enthusiasm and positive responses from participants. “By gaining knowledge of hand sanitizer production, the community no longer needs to panic when facing shortages of hand sanitizers, which are crucial protective tools during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, with knowledge about Covid-19 transmission and prevention, it is hoped that the community will adhere more strictly to health protocols and expedite vaccination,” explained Qurrota, who also chaired the community service.
Author: Kariza Makanty