Equal access for all? Issues for people with HIV and with disabilities in Ethiopia

This paper challenges the assumption that once water and sanitation facilities are provided, everyone in the community has access to them. Drawing on detailed case studies from Ethiopia, the paper shows how two groups with critical needs for safe water and sanitation: those with HIV (PLWHA) and those with physical disabilities (PWDs), face severe access constraints. Findings revealed that both groups need more water, and need latrines more than others, yet their access to available facilities is restricted. PLWHA need more water and latrines due to vulnerability to and treatment of symptomatic infections, but face discrimination in access. PWDs need more water and latrines due to increased exposure to dirt from crawling, and increased vulnerability to the dangers of open defecation, but physical limitations and inappropriate designs limit their access. Since the underlying causes of their access constraints are different, separate programming and policy solutions are required for each group.