Clean Water, Critical To HIV/AIDS Treatment – WaterAid

International development organisation, WaterAid has said clean water and sanitation were the missing pieces in treatment for people living with HIV. According to the organization, access to clean water and basic toilets is sn essential but neglected part of the management and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, new research by international development organisations WaterAid and SAfAIDS has found. WaterAid Nigeria country representative, Dr. Michael Ojo said “thanks to the great strides in medical research over the last three decades, HIV is now a much more manageable condition and no longer the death sentence it used to be. It seems to be counter-productive that in spite of such progress on education and in delivering anti-retroviral drugs, there’s no focus on ensuring people living with HIV/AIDS also have clean water, basic toilets and the means to wash themselves and keep their surroundings clean.” SAfAIDS executive director, Lois Chingandu said, “If the world does not prioritise water and sanitation hygiene issues, all gains made in the HIV response will be reversed. Concerted efforts must be made to ensure the existing linkages are given the attention and prominence they deserve.” With less than a year until UN member states agree the new Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, WaterAid and sector partners are calling for a stand-alone goal on water and sanitation. Universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, already recommended in the initial draft, will play a critical role in supporting health targets such as eliminating AIDS by 2030. nigerianpilot.com