2 May 2013: The World Bank has approved additional funding for the Third Water Supply and Sanitation for Low Income Communities project, which complements the “Water for All” program, under the leadership of the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works, and the “Community-Led Total Sanitation” program of the Ministry of Health.

According to the World Bank, the new funding will help over 11 million Indonesians in tackling problems related to poor hygiene and water quality, which are fundamental causes of child mortality. Known by the Indonesian acronym- PAMSIMAS- this initiative values a community-oriented approach, which focuses on behavior change regarding hygiene practices. Since its launch in 2006, the PAMSIMAS program has achieved the following results: almost 45% of targeted communities have become Open Defecation Free (ODF); and over 65% percent have adopted handwashing programmes.

In addition, 72% of locations dispose of water and sanitation facilities, while 22% remain partly functioning and only 6% are non-functioning. Overall, the project has achieved high rates of household connections, considerably reducing the use of sanitation public facilities. [World Bank Press Release] [PAMSIMAS Website]