JEMBER: Only 40 families in at least four of Jember's 31 districts have toilets in their homes, a regency health agency official said.
"The rest, 60 percent of the population, defecate in places such as rivers or backyards," the agency's public relations officer Yumarlis said Thursday.
Poor hygiene has reportedly resulted in an increased number of diarrhea cases, especially during the rainy season.
Yumarlis said the four districts were Arjasa, Jelbuk, Pakusari and Sumberbaru.
Yumarlis also said the health agency had provided public toilets to regions with limited access to sanitary facilities.
The initiative, however, was considered unsuccessful.
"It's difficult to change habits. It takes time and requires patience," Yumarlis said. - JP
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