It’s common for stunting to be closely related to recurrent infections. Repeated infections that occur in a long time can be a trigger factor for stunting. The incidence of infection is closely related to unhealthy environmental conditions, such as the unavailability of access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and waste management. Thus, the provision of clean water and sanitation has an important role in reducing stunting because it is closely related to efforts to prevent disease infections.
Efforts to provide clean water and sanitation facilities both in rural and urban areas are carried out through, among others, the Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation (Penyediaan Air minum dan Sanitasi Berbasis Masyarakat (PAMSIMAS)) and Community-Based Sanitation (Sanitasi Berbasis Masyarakat (SANIMAS)) programs, especially for low-income communities.
Other interventions undertaken also include the provision of community-based wastewater infrastructure and integrated waste management sites. In addition to providing facilities, community empowerment through Community-Based Total Sanitation (Sanitasi Total Berbasis Masyarakat (STBM)) activities is also needed to increase community awareness to cultivate clean and healthy living behaviours such as washing hands with running water and soap, defecating in their places, and managing waste properly.