The effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on communities living around the Lake Victoria region are most clearly manifested in the number of orphans left under the care of older siblings, who are themselves often children under the age of 18.

LVWATSAN is implementing a project to improve access to water and sanitation for HIV/AIDS Orphan and Child Headed Households in the Region in collaboration with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) already active in fighting HIV/AIDS.

In Uganda, the Uganda Women’s Efforts to Save Orphans (UWESO), is a key partner in a demonstration project covering Masaka, Kyotera, Nyendo and Mutukula towns. The Project will be replicated in neighboring countries in the region and consultations are now ongoing with potential implementing partners in Tanzania and Kenya. The pilot projects demonstrate that on-site sanitation and Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) schemes are viable and sustainable alternatives for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, with a focus on improving local knowledge and enhancing skills in the construction of affordable on-site sanitation and rain water harvesting systems.

The project promotes appropriate and affordable water and sanitation technology options that respond to real needs on the ground, can be managed by the communities, and are replicable. Awareness raising approaches are participatory and inclusive to promote meaningful and lasting change in attitudes, behaviour and practices, and engender proper conservation, use and management of water at the household and community levels, and the adoption of improved hygiene and sanitation practices.