Making mental health a priority in HIV prevention, treatment and care is essential to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people living with or at risk of acquiring HIV. That’s why the Elton John AIDS Foundation is working closely with our partners around the world to bridge this gap.

WHAT WE’RE DOING

  • Integrating mental health services into HIV service delivery platforms that already exist.
  • Providing education and resources about mental health to people living with or at risk of acquiring HIV.
  • Raising crucial awareness of the intersectionality of HIV and mental health.

WHY WE’RE PRIORITISING MENTAL HEALTH

  • By integrating mental health services and HIV prevention, treatment and care, people living with or at risk of HIV will receive integrated people-centered health services that address both their physical and mental health needs in one place, helping to improve their quality of life.
  • Mental health and HIV care are interconnected. People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This can impact a person’s ability to manage their HIV care, leading to poor treatment adherence and worse health outcomes.
  • Integrating mental health services into HIV prevention, treatment and care can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions, making people living with or at risk of HIV feel more comfortable seeking the care they need to thrive.

“It has long been established that HIV, TB and mental health conditions are inextricably linked. Thus, integrating mental health and psychosocial services into HIV and TB programmes will not only help millions of vulnerable people, but will end these co-epidemics at a faster rate, and in a cost-effective way. It is only by ensuring full integration of mental health into both the global and national response plans that we can reach the 2030 targets we have committed to achieving, with catalytic investment ensuring a strengthening of health systems at a time when it is needed most.” – Sarah Kline, CEO, United For Global Mental Health

WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO CREATE IMPACT

Mental health and HIV integration advocacy toolkit created by United for Global Mental Health, with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation

United for Global Mental Health

We supported the creation of United for Global Mental Health’s new HIV, TB and Mental Health Toolkit, aimed at policymakers, programme implementers, civil society, community-led organizations and advocates.

The toolkit provides key resources and recommendations for organisations and advocates who support the integration of mental health services into HIV and TB programs. Inside, you can find fact sheets, case studies and social media assets to share on your channels to help amplify important messages — and power our efforts to advocate for vulnerable people across the world.

Download the toolkit.

Triggerise 'Tiko' Mobilizers engaging with young person in Kenya and showing how the Tiko app can support their sexual health and mental health needs.

Triggerise

We’ve partnered with Triggerise to empower young people in Kenya to make positive decisions about their sexual and mental health and be rewarded for doing so. The easy-to use, digital app provides access to critical sexual and reproductive health services, as well as essential mental health offerings ranging from individual and group counselling to trauma-based care.

This incredible platform, and their amazing team of TIKO Mobilisers are helping young people overcome the challenges they face and enabling us to gain insights into what young people need.

Find out more.