The living with dignity program in Papua New Guinea

HIV and AIDS related illness is a growing epidemic in rural Papua New Guinea (PNG). By 2009 the cumulative number of HIV infections in PNG according the National Aids Council was 34,100 (2010) but anecdotal evidence suggests this figure is now much higher. This paper explains how local NGO Appropriate Technologies (AT) projects has worked with people living with HIV and their carers to identify their households’ WASH needs and collectively develop technology solutions to improve WASH access. The case study looks at two resources developed by ATprojects under their Living with Dignity program: a personal hygiene kit and a portable water catchment. This paper describes the innovative and collaborative ‘touch, feel, smell’ design process that informed the development of these practical technology solutions. ATprojects demonstrate
how effective and transportable design, staff training and the local sourcing of materials can be successfully used to meet the WASH needs of people living with HIV but also help them cope with discrimination due to social stigma. [authors abstract]

This case study is one of sixteen from the Towards Inclusive WASH series, supported by AusAID’s Innovations Fund.