Pakistan, Nov. 15 -- The World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors approved $300 million in financing to expand access to safe water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services for 1.5 million people in selected rural areas of Sindh Province. The financing will support the Sindh Transformational Accelerated Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services Phase 1 Project (STAR WASH-1).

Unsafe water and poor sanitation causes repeated bouts of diarrhea in young children, which affects nutrient absorption and limits their physical and cognitive development. More than half of children under five in rural Sindh are stunted. STAR WASH-1 will provide 1.5 million people with access to safe water, and safely managed sanitation and hygiene...