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OPINION

By Frida Nakkazi

As we celebrate World Water Day today on 22 march, it’s paramount to understand the relationship between Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and HIV/AIDS as it is intricate and multifaceted. Poor WASH practices, such as inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene resources, can significantly impact the spread of HIV. Lack of clean and fresh water for drinking and hand washing can lead to unsanitary conditions that increase the risk of infections, including HIV.

Additionally, poor sanitation facilities can create breeding grounds for diseases, further exacerbating the spread of HIV within communities. When water is polluted, it poses a threat on public health.

Proper WASH practices play a crucial role in HIV prevention efforts and reducing the risk of infections. One of the main ways that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) responsible for AIDS is transmitted is through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood and sexual secretions.

By washing hands with water and soap regularly, especially after encountering these fluids, traces of the virus can be effectively removed from the hands.

This simple act of hand washing can help prevent the spread of HIV but to ensure that handwashing is effective in reducing the transmission.

Proper hand washing techniques

It is essential to follow proper handwashing techniques which involve applying soap, clean water and lathering well, scrubbing all surfaces of the hands including between fingers and under the nails for at least 20 seconds and finally rinsing the hands thoroughly with clean water.

Hygiene and sanitation are crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle especially among people living with the HIV virus.

Proper human waste disposal

Proper human waste disposal can prevent the contamination of water sources, protecting individuals and communities from waterborne illnesses that can weaken the body’s immune system and increase vulnerability to AIDS.

Water plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems and those living with HIV/AIDS.

Drink clean water

Boiling water is the cheapest and safest method of water purification. Water sources and or channels of distribution may render your water unsafe. For example, parasites and germs are some of the vices you may not see by bare eyes, but their effects can be life threatening.

To ensure this, clean water should be brought to boil and left at rolling-boil for 1-3 minutes. For people living in high altitude areas, it is recommended to boil your water for longer than water boiled at lower altitudes. Boiled water should be covered and left to cool before it is taken. For water drawn from wells, it can be left to settle before it is filtered for use.

Drinking clean water helps in flushing toxins from the body, aids digestion, and supports proper organ function. Staying hydrated is essential for supporting the body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses. People living with HIV/AIDS often face a range of challenges in managing their health, from medication side effects to opportunistic infections. Dehydration can compound these challenges, leading to increased fatigue, weakness, and susceptibility to illness. Making a conscious effort to drink plenty of clean uncontaminated water throughout the day can help to mitigate these risks and support the body’s ability to function optimally.

Adequate and clean drinking water, plus sanitation and hygiene resources are essential for maintaining the overall well-being of individuals living with HIV.  Incorporating WASH interventions into HIV treatment programs can improve patient healthcare outcomes and quality of life.

Proper management and disposal of waste such as used needles, syringes, and razor blades also reduces the risk of accidents that could lead to HIV contraction and transmission.

Integrating WASH programs into HIV initiatives is essential for addressing the intertwined challenges of water, sanitation, and HIV/AIDS and its paramount in building resilience to health challenges. Collaborative efforts between public health agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) are crucial for designing and implementing comprehensive interventions that address both WASH and HIV-related issues. This calls for promoting access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education.  

The author is a Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist working for the Elizabeth Glaser Padietric AIDS Foundation in Uganda.