The Interesting Cross-Paths of HIV/AIDS and Water in Southern Africa with Special Reference to South Africa

• Source:

• Obi CL et al. 2006. Water SA, 32(3):323–344.

• URL:

• http://tinyurl.com/bpmmu4n

• Countries:

• South Africa Southern Africa

• Summary:

• HIV/AIDS accounts for a substantial degree of morbidity and mortality in different age groups across the globe, but ripple effects are most devastating in developing countries. People with compromised immune systems are more prone to several diseases than individuals whose immune systems are not compromised by HIV/AIDS, and therefore have greater requirements for potable water. Improving water quality will lead to a decline in child and adult mortality and diarrhoeal diseases in people living with HIV/AIDS. The cross-paths between HIV/AIDS and water have long-term implications for effective water resource management and mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS in the water sector is of the utmost importance; in addition to providing safe water, supply points and latrines should be close to points of use, and appropriate water system design is required to reduce long distances caregivers and HIV/AIDS patients undertake to access safe water.