Better WASH without Increasing Stigma for PLHIV in Tanzania

Issues: Diarrheal diseases negatively impact the quality of life of PLHIV. Most diarrheal diseases are attributed to poor hygiene practices. There is a growing body of evidence on the positive outcomes of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices on the quality of life of PLHIV and their households. However, the challenge is how to strengthen WASH in HIV programs without increasing stigma. Description of the project: The project carried out a formative assessment with PLHIV to identify WASH feasible and effective improvements within their context and resources. These actions were incorporated in the training of volunteers and were promoted by these volunteers with existing outreach and home-based care program. At the same time, the project implemented a general WASH behavior change campaign to promote improved WASH practices for all, with the underlying objective of generalizing the public's association with WASH actions and products to minimize stigmatization of PLHIV. The project worked with schools to encourage students to improve WASH practices in schools and engage students as WASH change agents in their households and communities. Lessons Learned and Recommendation: Most PLHIV and their families saw the benefits of improved WASH and adopted most WASH small doable actions. The project's innovative approach helped reduce stigma and empowered PLHIV to serve as WASH change agents in their communities. These results informed WASH and HIV programming.