Several million people currently live with HIV/AIDS.7 In 2007, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections and 2 million HIV-related deaths.8 Access to adequate sanitation is extremely limited in many communities with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Those with compromised immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients, are more prone to common illnesses and diseases, especially diarrhea.9 In the least developed countries, up to 90 percent of AIDS patients suffer from chronic diarrheal diseases, which contributes to an increase in diarrheal deaths.
When access to adequate sanitation facilities is available, fecal and oral transmission of diarrhea-causing agents may be prevented. Those living in developing nations are most affected by HIV/AIDS and represent the fastest growing population of HIV/AIDS patients. Individuals weakened and fatigued by HIV/AIDS are not able to walk long distances to use sanitation facilities. If access to improved sanitation increases, diarrheal disease will decline among those suffering from HIV/AIDS. In a study of HIV/AIDS individuals done in Uganda, the presence of a simple latrine reduced the risk of diarrheal disease by more than a third.10
Without access to near-by adequate sanitation, those affected by HIV/AIDS have little hope of maintaining an acceptable quality of life. It is important that the fight against HIV/AIDS includes initiatives to provide adequate sanitation facilities.
