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Stronger together: A louder call for fully integrating mental health into HIV care witnessed at AIDS 2024
Written by Yves Miel Zuniga, Policy and Advocacy Advisor, United for Global Mental Health
As AIDS 2024 came to a close, I reflected on how mental health has been well included in this year’s convening in Munich. We heard a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas shared over numerous sessions, celebrating our achievements and highlighting the obstacles we still need to overcome. This marks significant progress compared to previous AIDS conferences.
While we celebrate new scientific advancements and policy wins, the emphasis on mental health reminds us that we must keep advocating in this area. Fortunately, progress is evident. IAS demonstrated leadership by launching a consensus statement on person-centred care (PCC) that includes the mental health needs of HIV-affected communities. The Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Global Fund supported the integration of mental health into person-centred care by collaborating with United for Global Mental Health in hosting a satellite session and a donor advocacy workshop. The satellite session was also supported by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), UNAIDS, UNDP, UNICEF, the Interagency Task Force on NCD, USAID, and PEPFAR. Additionally, AIDS 2024 featured many more mental health sessions, including those hosted by PACT and as well as two poster sessions on 23 July and 25 July which featured many research activities inclusive of mental health.
Clarion Call for Collective Action
As we move forward, it’s clear that the fight against HIV must include a robust focus on mental health. Our first-ever mental health networking zone at the Global Village attracted over 700 visitors, highlighting the importance of this issue – as shown in this video.
Here at United for Global Mental Health, when we say “put people first,” we mean:
Prioritising Communities – Advocacy, policy, research, and innovation should centre on the needs of communities. We need a collective voice to advocate for integrating mental health into our programs. Creating safe spaces and sharing the experiences of those living with HIV, TB, and mental health conditions, especially young people, can inspire others to speak out.
Learning from Communities: Different communities have effective models for integrating mental health into broader health systems. We must learn from these examples to scale successful approaches.
Addressing Data Gaps: Data and impact measurement are crucial for integrating mental health into HIV and TB services. Simplifying and contextualising existing tools and guidance can improve service delivery and accessibility.
Catalysing Change: Country-level initiatives to integrate mental health into HIV services exist, like what we heard from partners in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Vietnam. These efforts need broader support and scaling, wherein no single entity or institution can sustain them.
The lack of action to include mental health serves as a stark reminder that, while science and policy are important, our efforts also impact real lives. We must keep mental health at the forefront, ensuring comprehensive care for every individual affected by HIV. We have to do it for community members like Paul Ndhlovu from Zvandiri who gave a lasting impression at the donor advocacy workshop when he said, “I have lived for almost 12 years on HIV treatment, almost half of my life, and the investments in mental health mean I am here today.”
We commend IAS for their steadfast commitment to prioritising people and encouraging more mental health advocates to join this cause. We extend the same gratitude to EJAF, Global Fund, UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO, USAID, PEPFAR, UNDP, the Interagency Task Force on NCD, CHAI, PATH, SCDI, Zvandiri, Lighthouse Social Enterprise, Y+ Global, the Ministry of Health Nigeria, PACT, and the Canadian government, among others, for being our champions in this advocacy.
With an increasing number of institutions and organisations supporting mental health, the call for meaningful integration grows louder. Our message is clear: ending HIV is impossible without fully integrating mental health. This integration must begin now.