In a recent study in Tanzania [1] WaterAid and AMREF found some evidence that People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) have an increased need for both water and sanitation services, but lack the means to meet these needs. It confirmed that there is lack of clear arrangements on access to water and sanitation for infected people. It found some evidence of stigma, although this was not reported to be a major problem. And it found, in hygiene promotion, a clear area of overlapping interests between the water and sanitation sector and the HIV and AIDS sector, though this hasn’t yet resulted in much cooperation between sectors in practice or in harmonised hygiene promotion messages.Based on these findings, the study gives recommendations for increased partnerships, shared initiatives and common messages between water and sanitation programmes and HIV and AIDS programmes.

[1] Nkongo, D. and Chonya, C. (2009). Access to water and sanitation for people living with HIV and AIDS : an exploratory study. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, WaterAid Tanzania and AMREF Tanzania. v, 18 p. Download PDF

Tags: africa, hygiene promotion, sanitation, water quality, water-related diseases