The Effect of Sanitation Availability and Quality on Public Health in Lembata District, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the sanitation conditions in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and provide recommendations for improving sanitation infrastructure and behavior in the area. Based on a survey of 200 households in five sub-districts, it was found that only 45% of households have access to proper sanitation facilities, with most people still practicing open defecation (BABS). In addition, the problem of clean water availability during the dry season is also a major challenge in maintaining environmental cleanliness. This study shows that efforts to improve sanitation need to be carried out through improving sanitation infrastructure, education on clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS), and more efficient management of water resources. The main recommendations produced are the construction of better sanitation facilities, PHBS campaigns to change community behavior, and the construction of reservoirs and reservoirs to increase the availability of clean water. With these efforts, it is hoped that sanitation in Lembata Regency can experience significant improvements that will have an impact on improving public health in general.