Communities Encouraged to Support Reproductive Health Awareness

RRI.CO.Id, Jakarta - Communities play an important role in improving reproductive health awareness and access to quality healthcare services, according to health experts in Indonesia. The issue was highlighted during a public discussion on sexual and reproductive health during the VOITALK program with RRI Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

UNFPA Indonesia Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialist, Sandeep Nanwani, said communities can become safe spaces for open and respectful discussions about reproductive health. He noted that discussions without judgment are important to help people better understand different experiences and choices.

“One is communities can organize themselves and learn and talk about it openly without judgment,” Nanwani said during the discussion. He added that communities can learn together about what works and what does not in supporting reproductive health education.

According to him, respectful dialogue is necessary because every individual may have different needs and personal decisions related to reproductive health. He said open discussions can help reduce stigma while encouraging people to seek reliable information and support.

Nanwani also emphasized that communities can advocate for better healthcare services at the local level. He explained that public participation is important in ensuring healthcare systems respond directly to community needs.

“The other thing is communities can demand or can advocate for quality services,” he said. Nanwani added that quality reproductive health services should include privacy, counseling, and access to highly skilled health workers.

He further encouraged local communities to work with healthcare providers and governments to improve service quality and accessibility. According to him, stronger advocacy from communities can help ensure healthcare services are more inclusive and responsive.

Nanwani said community involvement remains essential in strengthening reproductive health awareness and public health systems overall. He added that better education and healthcare access can contribute to healthier and more informed societies in the future.