Integrating STBM with the MKM program will ensure the realization of access to sanitation for all by providing special attention to the needs of women and girlsJakarta (ANTARA) - The Community-based Total Sanitation (STBM) approach in schools, through the triggering and participatory method, is deemed to be effective and efficient, Disease Prevention and Handling Director General at the Health Ministry Maxi Rein Rondonuwu stated.
The method is especially effective in changing school residents' behavior, specifically aspects of correct practices in schools, he noted during the STBM guideline unveiling online event, Tuesday.
The guideline integrates STBM with Menstruation Sanitation Management (MKM) and emphasizes the issue of gender equality, social inclusion, and children's rights, including the rights to participate, to health, and to education, he remarked.
According to Rondonuwu, this aligns with the Three School Health Efforts (UKS): health education, health service, and healthy school environment guidance.
In Indonesia, the school sanitation profile data in 2022 shows that 293,086 schools do not have access to drinking water service and basic health and sanitation facilities, he pointed out.
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Moreover, several schools still do not have gender-segregated toilets.
According to the study result from Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) Foundation and SMERU Research Institute in 2018, some 79 percent of female students never change their menstrual pad in schools, as it is not comfortable, thereby resulting in them losing studying time as compared to others.
The ministry's official, Anas Maruf, remarked that implementation of the STBM Guideline Book at schools is important to promote clean and healthy behavior starting from the school level.
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"Integrating STBM with the MKM program will ensure the realization of access to sanitation for all by providing special attention to the needs of women and girls," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Executive Director at Plan Indonesia Dini Widiastuti noted that proper sanitation access at schools can contribute in reducing children's growth failure or stunting figure.
"This also aligns with the third SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) mandate, specifically ensuring a healthy life and encouraging prosperity for everyone at every age, including of children and youngsters," she affirmed.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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