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Globally more than 33 million people now live with HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS 2009). This pandemic has dramatically changed patterns of disease in developing countries. In addition, previously rare “opportunistic” diseases have become more common. High rates of morbidity and mortality from endemic conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), diarrheal diseases, and wasting syndromes, formerly confined to the elderly and malnourished, are now common among young and middle-aged people in many developing countries. With increasing availability of antiretroviral therapies (ART), more people live with HIV and AIDS and require comprehensive care, treatment, and preventative services to help boost their resilience to the endemic conditions in their environment and help them live longer and healthier lives.

Recognizing the importance of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion in protecting and caring for PLHIV, the trend is to integrate WASH improvement into HIV and AIDS policies and programs. As part of its palliative care approach,2 PEPFAR has developed a preventive care package that summarizes evidence-based interventions for PLHIV and their families in resource-poor settings. The package identifies three key hygiene improvement practices—safe drinking water, washing hands with soap, and safe handling and disposal of feces—and suggests integrating these into all HIV and AIDS programs. Read More (Source: WASHplus)