In 2008 WaterAid India entered into a partnership with Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society for a project titled Programme on Arresting Opportunistic Infections for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) to help improve the quality of their lives through water and sanitation. The project is being implemented through CREATE in 14 districts and involves anti-retro-viral therapy cells, located in the Medical Colleges and working with District Level Networks (DLNs) of HIV positives, Drop in Centres (DICs) and Community Care Centres (CCCs), which are care and support centres during opportunistic infection.
These have also become WASH information centres where people living with HIV/AIDS are able to learn about key hygiene practices. The centres share information through posters and pamphlets, display different toilet models, and offer a range of audio, video and other materials as well as group and individual counselling.
PLHAs are also able to use good quality facilities at the centres, such as water filters, washbasins, urinals and latrines. Staff are trained on WASH issues and are able to tell PLHA about the importance of good WASH practices in their lives.
Read more: Johnson Jeyaseelan, Source Bulletin, May 2010