Mental Health Meets HIV/AIDS 

It sometimes felt like a music festival (except with much better toilets and shorter food and drink queues). But this was a conference—the world’s largest gathering on HIV and AIDS, sitting at the intersection of science, advocacy, and human rights. It was vibrant and inclusive, filled with music, dancing, laughter, friendship, and love.

We were blown away by the atmosphere, which fostered meaningful connections and where diversity was welcomed and cherished. Ideas flourished, new science was shared, friendships blossomed, and everyone felt safe and connected to a global community united by a common cause. For these beautiful five days in Munich, every voice was heard and valued, and participants embraced each other with warmth, care, respect, and understanding.

A highlight was UnitedGMH’s dedicated mental health space in the Global Village—the first of its kind at the conference. Claudia Ahumada of Global Fund noted that this significant space was “symbolic of how much mental health was being discussed throughout the conference.” Over five days, we welcomed over 700 delegates to our networking zone, each eager to engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of mental health. This incredible turnout is a testament to the growing recognition of mental health and its vital role in the HIV and TB response.

However, amidst the joyous vibes, there was a shared sense of seriousness and concern. The erosion of LGBTQI+ rights is occurring at an alarming rate, and, coupled with reduced funding, it poses a significant risk to advancing progress. For example, organisations like SameSame are working hard to ensure that LGBQTI+ rights include access to mental health services.  The historical  days of HIV/TB vertical programming are over, and we need a step-change to truly deliver on integrated, people-centered health services. . Recognising mental health in the HIV/TB response is critical if we want to improve health outcomes for all. As we say, “there is no health, without mental health”.

Despite the growing recognition, funding flow into the mental health space remains slow. Lindsay Hayden from the Elton John Aids Foundation highlighted, “We have had an extraordinary experience engaging in the mental health field, and we plan to do much more. But I’d also like to apologise, it’s been slow. But we’re here now. And we need more donors in this space.We need more of us in this arena, whether policymakers, implementers, investors, or philanthropists. It’s exciting, and together we can achieve so much more.”

We face truly uncertain times, with human rights being rolled back, especially in the LGBTQI+ space. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for renewed commitment and innovative funding strategies. Philanthropy, government commitment, private sector engagement, and increased advocacy are crucial to bridging the funding gap and sustaining progress in this critical area of global health. These efforts are necessary, or progress made will be in jeopardy. Now, more than ever, we must unite to champion and support comprehensive and inclusive health initiatives.

If we ask just one thing, it’s for donors to join us in standing up for civil society and commit to helping us scale up mental health integration into HIV and TB programming. Donor funding has a transformational role in bridging the funding gap in global health. Let’s take AIDS 2024 as a clarion call for collective action and ensure that mental health remains a core part of the global health agenda.