Driving faster progress in the fight against HIV: How integrating mental health is a win-win

Over the past two years, we have been pushing for mental health to be integrated into HIV and TB programmes. We know that the relationship between the epidemics is bi-directional, and that there can be no end to HIV and TB without first addressing mental health.

The upcoming United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV, and the Political Declaration that will be released alongside it, is a key moment for amplifying the mental health agenda. As leaders from around the world meet to consider what will guide the future direction of the AIDS response, there has never been a more critical time to accelerate progress in the fight against HIV.

Alongside the release of our most recent briefing, which outlines how mental health and psychosocial support should be integrated into the UN Political Declaration, we are pleased to be hosting a side event in collaboration with Frontline AIDS on the first day of the High Level Meeting, on 8th June at 14:00 BST.

Our panel discussion will explore both the needs and benefits of integrating mental health into HIV responses, with speakers laying out why the integration of mental health must feature in the High Level Meeting’s upcoming political declaration, and what this might look like. We’ll also be exploring the experience of key populations, and revealing new research into the savings that could be made by making mental health a key part of HIV and TB programmes.

Speakers for the event include:

Paul Bolton, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordinator, USAID
Mike Podmore, Executive Director, STOPAIDS
Kali Lindsey, Portfolio Lead LGBT+ Portfolio, Elton John AIDS Foundation
Vongai Munatsi, Mental Health Specialist, Africaid Zvandiri (Frontline AIDS partner)