RRI.CO.ID, Depok - Indonesia has highlighted its community-centered approach to strengthening immunization programs by hosting the VaxSocial Government Learning Exchange, an international forum organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The event brought together delegates from Nigeria, India, and global development partners to exchange best practices on increasing vaccine demand, building public trust, and improving digital and community-based communication strategies.

As part of the program, participants visited Posyandu Kepodang A in Depok, West Java, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The field visit allowed delegates to observe how Indonesia's integrated community health posts, supported by healthcare workers and volunteer health cadres, help expand access to primary healthcare services and routine immunization.

Director of Immunization at Indonesia's Ministry of Health, Dr. Indri Yogyaswari, said the selection of Posyandu Kepodang A as a learning site reflected international recognition of Indonesia's collaborative efforts to improve immunization coverage.

"Posyandu is the heart of community healthcare services in Indonesia. It is where essential health services are delivered in an integrated manner, from child growth monitoring and maternal and child healthcare to health education and immunization," Dr. Indri said, as quoted from the press release, released on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. She continued that the strength of Posyandu lies in the spirit of mutual cooperation and active community participation

She emphasized that immunization remains one of the most effective, safe, and cost-efficient public health interventions for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Beyond protecting individual children, she said, vaccination also helps build herd immunity, safeguarding people who cannot receive vaccines because of certain medical conditions.

Despite the progress achieved, Dr. Indri acknowledged that challenges remain, including the spread of misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and unequal access to immunization services. She stressed that continuous public communication and education are essential to maintaining confidence in vaccines.

Meanwhile, Head of the Depok Posyandu Supervisory Team, Cing Ikah, welcomed the city's selection as an international learning site. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among local authorities, the Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, Posyandu volunteers, and development partners in improving vaccination coverage.

"We hope that no child in Depok will miss their immunizations. Through collaboration, we aim to achieve a Zero Dose Depok, ensuring every child receives complete immunization as a foundation for Indonesia's Golden Generation 2045," she said, as quoted from the press release.

Home to around two million residents and more than 1,000 Posyandu, Depok has been strengthening community-based healthcare through mentoring programs that local authorities hope can be replicated across all community health posts. The Health Ministry also said the VaxSocial Government Learning Exchange is the country's continued commitment to building resilient immunization systems through community participation while sharing lessons that could benefit other countries.