In 2007, 33 million people in the world were living with HIV, 2.7 million people were newly infected, and 2 million had died due to HIV/AIDS.10 Little or no access to safe, clean water in a community often positively correlates with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
Caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS requires access to safe water:
- HIV/AIDS patients have compromised immune systems and therefore are more prone to common illnesses and diseases, especially diarrhea, which is often caused by unsafe water.11
- Individuals who are ill are unable to walk long distances to obtain water, and many of their prescribed medications require it in order to be effective.
- HIV/AIDS patients are susceptible to skin and eye infections that need to be routinely washed with clean water.
- Many HIV/AIDS patients contract fungal infection of the mouth or throat that can cause burning or dry sensations. Safe drinking water greatly alleviates these symptoms.
- Mothers with HIV often try to protect their nursing infants from contracting the virus by giving their babies formula instead of breast milk. Mixing formula and unsafe water puts the babies at risk of other diseases and infections.
Individuals and communities in developing nations are hit hardest by the effects of HIV/AIDS and represent the fastest growing sector with HIV/AIDS. In the least developed countries, a study shows that up to 90 percent of AIDS patients suffer from chronic diarrheal diseases and consequently die much earlier than those who have safe water. When access to clean water is available, fecal and oral transmission of diarrhea-causing pathogens can be prevented. Lifewater International strives to increase access to clean water in order to slow the proliferation of deaths caused by diarrheal diseases. Lifewater also strives to provide much needed relief and dignity to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
The fight against HIV/AIDS at the community level must include clean water initiatives in order to prolong lives, improve health, and render medications more effective. As Lifewater continues to respond to the need for clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene, life expectancy among HIV/AIDS patients in communities where it works increases and the hope of a better future is rekindled.
