Empowerment of Community Health Volunteers in the Prevention and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through the Utilization of Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) in Lempuing and Nusa Indah Subdistricts, Bengkulu City

Ratnadhiyani, Anditha
Wulandari, Dwi
Annisa, Rahma
Buston, Erni
Anggraini, Dina

Dikdimas : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): DIKDIMAS : JURNAL PENGABDIAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT VOL 5 NO 1 APRIL 2026

Background: The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes mellitus, poses a significant public health challenge in Bengkulu City, especially in Lempuing and Nusa Indah subdistricts. Community empowerment is a strategic approach to strengthen promotive and preventive health efforts. The utilization of Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) was introduced as an innovative, culturally appropriate, and practical method aligned with Gerakan Masyarakat Hidup Sehat (GERMAS).Aims: This program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of community health volunteers in preventing and managing NCDs, establish TOGA demonstration gardens managed by volunteers, and develop a replicable community empowerment model.Methods: A participatory approach was applied through cross-sectoral coordination with primary health centers and local government. Educational modules and media were developed, followed by training sessions for community health volunteers using lectures, discussions, and hands-on practice. Continuous mentoring supported the management of TOGA gardens. Program evaluation was conducted using pre-test and post-test to assess changes in volunteers’ knowledge and observations to monitor implementation.Results: The program was successfully implemented. Educational modules were developed, and training activities led to an average increase of 30% in volunteers’ knowledge scores. Two TOGA demonstration gardens were established and actively managed by volunteers. Educational media were utilized during Pos Pelayanan Terpadu (posyandu) services by community health centers and Pemberdayaan Kesehatan Keluarga (PKK) activities at Lempuing and Nusa Indah subdistricts.Conclusion: The program effectively improved the capacity of community health volunteers and promoted community participation in family-based NCD prevention and management. The TOGA-based empowerment model demonstrates strong potential for replication as a promotive and preventive strategy for NCD control.