Access to water, sanitation and hygiene for people living with HIV and AIDS: a cross-sectional study in Nepal

摘要

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are one of the most vulnerable people to WASH associated diseasesrnin Nepal. They are still stigmatized while enjoying WASH services and their risk & vulnerability arernfurther exacerbated due to lack of inadequate WASH. A descriptive cross-sectional study wasrncommissioned by WaterAid in Nepal (WAN) with the objectives to increase understanding of PLHA’srnaccess to WASH and its impact on their daily lives in order to inform health, HIV and WASH sectors.rnThis was a cross-sectional study used mixed methods. Data were collected from 196 PLHAs fromrndifferent geographic areas. The study does re-emphasize that PLHA have limited access to safe waterrnand improved hygiene & sanitation services, more pronounced in rural areas than in urban. There is anrnincreased need of WASH for them but lacking to meet the needs. Lack of access to WASH and its effect onrnquality of life invariably call for an urgent action by all stakeholders. The study also revealed somernevidence of stigma and discrimination faced by PLHAs.