The Faculty of Public Health (FKM) at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) held a guest lecture titled “Antibody Characterization Methods for Investigating Infectious Disease Transmission: A Global Health Perspective” on Thursday (27/2). The event, which took place in the Nur Nasry Noor Room, 2nd Floor, FKM UNHAS, was attended by approximately 40 Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) program students.

This lecture featured Dr. Whitney C. Weber, a postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, United States. The session was moderated by Ansariadi, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Epidemiology and Population Health Studies (CEPHS), FKM Unhas. In his remarks, Ansariadi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host an expert in the field of antibody research. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Whitney with us. Hopefully, this lecture will enhance our understanding of infectious disease management,” he said. Dr. Whitney’s visit to Makassar is part of a three-week data collection effort for a cohort study led by Ansariadi, Ph.D., in collaboration with Joelle Ivy-Rosser, Ph.D., from Stanford University. This research aims to analyze the impact of behavioral, environmental, and biological factors on maternal and child health in Tallo District, Makassar, over the next three years.

During her presentation, Dr. Whitney highlighted that infectious diseases remain a major global health issue, particularly in low-income countries. She explained that human mobility through global travel and trade, rapid urbanization, and pathogen adaptation to new hosts contribute to the spread of these diseases. “In Indonesia, tuberculosis, caused by bacteria, and malaria, caused by parasites, remain significant public health challenges. However, these diseases can be prevented through vaccination and further research,” she stated. Dr. Whitney also introduced the critical role of antibodies in the immune system, specifically those found in B cells in the bone marrow. Additionally, she explained the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method, a laboratory technique used to assess the prevalence of pathogens in a population through serum and plasma samples. This research is expected to contribute to reducing infectious disease risks at the population level, fostering communication with local governments, and opening avenues for multidisciplinary collaboration. The guest lecture concluded with an interactive discussion session, where participants engaged in a dynamic exchange of questions and ideas, which Dr. Whitney addressed directly.