WVI in Asmat

Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) began its work in Asmat as part of the emergency response to the Measles and Malnutrition Outbreak in early 2018. WVI then continued its collaboration with the Agats Diocese through the Healthy Asmat Program, which ran from May 2018 to January 2019. As a continuation of this initiative, WVI launched the ASMAT HOPE (Health Transformation through People Empowerment) program in May 2019.

Children and Health Conditions in Asmat

Children identified with more than one dimension of vulnerability are considered the most vulnerable. Based on attendance and observation data collected by WVI, 100% of children in Asmat focus areas fall into this category. They live in disaster-prone areas, experience serious discrimination, face extreme deprivation, and are exposed to abusive or exploitative behavior. Therefore, WVI focuses its community development activities on these most vulnerable children.

Over the past few years, WVI has implemented various health programs such as growth monitoring and supplementary feeding for toddlers, promoting dietary diversity and nutrition through nutrition gardens, and teaching parents and children about clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS). WVI has also conducted socialization on Community-Based Total Sanitation (STBM) and handwashing with soap (CTPS), along with building communal rainwater harvesting tanks to support healthy hygiene practices.

Rainwater Harvesting Tanks for Children in Asmat

One of the major challenges in Asmat is the limited access to clean water for daily activities such as bathing, washing, cooking, and drinking. The lack of adequate rainwater storage tanks has forced many families to use untreated river water for daily needs.

By providing more rainwater harvesting tanks, more children, parents, and caregivers will be able to practice clean and healthy living habits. More families will have access to treated water—supporting the optimal growth and development of children.

Rainwater Harvesting Tanks (PAH) in Asmat

While rainwater harvesting tanks may not be the ideal solution, they are currently the most practical and financially feasible solution for four villages in Asmat: Birak, Akamar, Warse, and Damen. Through the installation of 40 additional tanks, rainwater can be collected for essential daily uses such as drinking, cooking, and bathing.

In addition to constructing the tanks, WVI will also provide training for community leaders, local volunteers, and religious leaders on promoting safe drinking water practices, as well as on the operation and maintenance of the PAH system.

Let’s Help Children in Asmat Access Clean Water

Together, we can help children in Asmat gain access to clean water that will improve their health and well-being.