Strategies for Increasing Access to Adequate Sanitation and Their Impacts On Public Health: A Literature Review

Abstract

Sanitation is one of the most fundamental human needs. Lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities not only reduces the quality of life but is also the root of various health and environmental problems. Access to adequate sanitation is a key pillar of public health and a key indicator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, many communities in developing countries, including Indonesia, still face challenges in achieving universal sanitation access. This literature review aims to synthesize and analyze studies published in the last five years on intervention strategies to improve sanitation access and their impact on public health. The method used is a systematic literature review. The analysis shows that community-based approaches such as Community-Based Total Sanitation (STBM) remain an effective core strategy, but their success depends heavily on integration with other factors. A strong correlation was found between increased sanitation access and reduced prevalence of diarrheal diseases, stunting, and worm infections. Sociocultural factors, the role of women, post-intervention program sustainability, and innovations in technology and financing models are key determinants of success. Successful sanitation interventions are holistic, participatory, gender-sensitive, and tailored to specific contexts (urban, rural, post-disaster) to deliver significant health, social, and economic impacts.