Assessing the water, sanitation and hygiene needs of people living with HIV and AIDS in Papua New Guinea

People living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) are susceptible to opportunistic infections, and access to safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are crucial to safeguarding the health of PLHIV and their families. This study was designed to gain an understanding of how WASH affects the lives of PLHIV in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The research was conducted in partnership with WaterAid and Anglicare PNG. Anglicare staff administered surveys to 93 respondents across urban, peri-urban and rural PNG. The research revealed that PLHIV in PNG have increased needs for WASH, and that these needs are not being adequately met. Stigma and discrimination were found to be barriers to access to WASH for respondents and their families. In addition, this study identified priorities of where service providers can direct their future activities and best integrate WASH into programming for PLHIV.