The IPAS Indonesia Foundation conducted training on contraceptive services for the CERAH (Climate Emergency, Reproductive Rights, and Health) project from April to August 2025 in Palu, Central Sulawesi.
The CERAH project was launched in November 2024 with the aim of strengthening the resilience of primary health services in both normal and disaster situations. One of its services is related to contraception.
All 98 participants in this training were midwives from Sigi, Donggala, and Parigi Moutong Regencies. Many midwives rarely get the opportunity to update their knowledge and learn new techniques. For instance, implant contraceptives previously consisted of six rods, but now they are different, including their insertion method.
“But now, implants only have two rods, or even just one. Their insertion is much simpler now. If it weren’t for this training, I wouldn’t have known,” said Santi, an independent practicing midwife who also works at the Central Sulawesi Provincial Health Office.
“Before attending this training, I had never inserted an IUD (Intra Uterine Device/Intrauterine Contraceptive Device),” said Midwife Nila from Tompe Community Health Center, Donggala Regency. “But in this training, I had the opportunity to insert one, and I feel more confident now. I previously thought it was simply inserted. Through this [training], I have gained a better understanding.”
The Importance of Counseling for Woman-Centered Counseling Services
To support the implementation of the training, IPAS Indonesia Foundation also provided a pair of Family Planning Decision-Making Aids (ABPK) and the Contraceptive Medical Eligibility Criteria (KLOP) wheel. These two tools were introduced to facilitate the counseling process at the initial stage of contraceptive service provision.
Effective counseling sessions ensure that prospective acceptors can receive as much information as possible and choose the most appropriate and suitable contraceptive method, as well as filter out any misinformation or concerns they may have.
“I felt the benefits of that counseling process. Some initially wanted an implant, but then there was an indication for a pregnancy test, and the result was positive. So, thankfully, they were tested first; if it had been inserted, they might have said the implant was unsuccessful,” said Sartika from Wani Community Health Center, Donggala.
Reporter: Gisella Tellys