AHF Indonesia and Ministry of Social Affairs Tackle Menstrual Stigma to Prevent HIV

In observance of Menstrual Health Day on 28 May, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Indonesia collaborated with the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) to launch initiatives aimed at eliminating negative menstrual stigma. The event, held at Sentra Handayani in Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026, focused on improving access to safe sanitation facilities and affordable health products for women. This move is deemed crucial not only for reproductive health but also as a strategic effort to reduce women’s vulnerability to HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This year’s celebration targeted junior and senior high school students at Sentra Handayani and Sentra Mulya Jaya schools in Jakarta through health education sessions, entertainment, and a virtual ceremony. AHF Asia Bureau Chief, Dr. Chhim Sarath, emphasised that silence and stigma in Asia remain significant barriers for women accessing accurate health information. He stated that unsafe menstrual management has systemic impacts. ‘When someone cannot manage their menstruation safely, the consequences extend beyond discomfort. This situation can increase vulnerability to HIV and other STIs,’ said Sarath. He also praised Asian countries that have removed taxes on menstrual products and urged others to follow suit to expand public access. Similarly, Kemensos Director of Social Rehabilitation for Drug Abuse Victims and People Living with HIV (ODHIV), Anna Puspasari, stated that reproductive health literacy is foundational for adolescent self-esteem. ‘Confident and educated adolescents are better equipped to resist social risks, including drug abuse and HIV transmission,’ Anna said in her opening speech. Period poverty often forces women in financial hardship into transactional relationships to obtain sanitary products. This directly undermines their ability to negotiate safe sexual relations, increasing infection risks. As a sustainable solution, AHF continues to strengthen the Girls Act empowerment programme in Indonesia. Designed to support young women and girls in managing their health with dignity, free from fear, and accessing integrated essential services such as HIV testing and treatment. Through this event, AHF Indonesia and Kemensos hope to normalise menstrual conversations, break societal taboos, and ensure everyone can manage their health safely without discrimination. (Z-1)