Yogyakarta, 21 October 2024─The Pasar SepaHAM (Selalu Peduli akan HAM/ Always Concerned about Human Rights) 2024 event held a cervical cancer screening service that was open to the public. This screening is a collaboration between the Fisipol Wellness Center and the Indonesian Family Planning Association Yogyakarta Special Region (PKBI DIY) team.
Under the theme of the Pasar SepaHAM event, this screening is a manifestation of supporting sexual and reproductive health rights. This cervical cancer screening uses the IVA (Visual Inspection of Acetate) method, which is recommended especially for women who are sexually active. For women who do the IVA test, they are required to fulfil the requirements, including not having sexual intercourse for a maximum of 1×24 hours, not menstruating, and not being in a period of pregnancy. The results of this screening can be used as referral material to local health facilities for further observation.
The Pasar SepaHAM event also opened attention to the importance of the right to access sexual and reproductive health for women. Outside of this event, PKBI DIY has also sought education in the scope of reproductive health for all lines ranging from village communities, communities, to campuses. Moreover, for some people, the issue of sexual and reproductive health is still taboo, and there are still many certain limitations in society in general. “Sometimes we have been educated a lot, but maybe for one reason or another, the community is unwilling to do the IVA. Usually, the obstacle is that the client feels afraid that they will get caught, even though it will be treated faster if caught early. Second, it could be because of shame or because it could be far from health services,” said Fiyul, PKBI DIY team.
Thus, cervical cancer screening in this 2024 Pasar SepaHAM not only offers health screening but also invites the public to open dialogue and early education related to sexual and reproductive health rights. Not only that, but Fiyul also hopes that the cervical cancer screening will be held, “We thank those who have registered, those who have checked, it means that they are aware of their own body, their body rights. Well, then, the hope is when friends are willing to do the examination and then meet other women, maybe we can provide education or experience when checking so that cervical cancer can be detected immediately. So female friends can do an examination earlier when there are findings of cervical cancer,” Fiyul concluded.