People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Context of Rural Poverty: The Importance of Water and Sanitation Services and Hygiene Education. A Case Study from Bolobedu (Limpopo Province, South Africa)

• Source:

• Kgalushi R, Smits S, Eales K. 2004. Johannesburg, South Africa. The Mvula Trust and Delft, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre.

• URL:

• http://www.irc.nl/content/download/11414/167794/file/Case_study_Limpopo_South_Af.pdf

• Countries:

• South Africa

• Summary:

• In South Africa, HIV/AIDS is approached primarily as a health issue; the social implications and poverty dimensions of HIV /AIDS, while recognised in policy, have not yet been translated adequately into practice. Provision of affordable, accessible and reliable public services, including reliable delivery of good quality water, and sound basic sanitation, is critical to reduce exposure to pathogens to which HIV-positive people are particularly vulnerable, support health maintenance, and reduce stress for people living with HIV/AIDS. Where water and sanitation services are inadequate or inaccessible, the time and monetary costs of accessing good quality water, in sufficient quantities, are high, particularly for HIV-infected people and their care-givers.