World Mental Health Day 2023: We must leave no one behind in the response to HIV and mental health

Posted byAyuningtias | Lobbyist - Networker - FacilitatorPosted inGood Health & Well-Being

Today, 10 October 2023, is World Mental Health Day. On this day, the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) invites you to read its new viewpoint, “World Mental Health Day 2023: We must leave no one behind in the response to HIV and mental health”, by Milton Wainberg, George Wolvaardt, Lidia Gouveia and Erin Ferenchick.

Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, disproportionately affect key populations and people living with HIV. These conditions can either increase vulnerability to HIV acquisition or occur as a result of HIV acquisition. However, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions are yet to be well integrated into HIV care services. Consequently, the unmet mental health needs of people living with HIV, and especially key populations, can lead to negative health outcomes across the HIV care continuum [1].

In this viewpoint, the authors discuss the importance of addressing the mental health needs of people living with HIV while highlighting current gaps and advancements. The authors showcase ongoing successful initiatives aimed at strengthening evidence in support of mental health interventions. They also point out that on average countries dedicate less than 2% of their healthcare budgets to mental health [2]. 

The authors call for political and financial commitment to scale up evidence-based mental health interventions, which they argue is crucial for achieving the United Nations 95-95-95 targets. As they write: “Mental health is a human right. Let us work together to ensure that those living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV have the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” 

We encourage you to also share this viewpoint within your networks on this World Mental Health Day.

INDONESIA

Hari ini, 10 Oktober 2023 adalah Hari Kesehatan Mental Sedunia. Pada hari ini, Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) mengundang Anda untuk membaca sudut pandang barunya, “Hari Kesehatan Mental Sedunia 2023: Kita tidak boleh meninggalkan siapa pun dalam respons terhadap HIV dan kesehatan mental”, oleh Milton Wainberg, George Wolvaardt, Lidia Gouveia dan Erin Ferenchick.
Kondisi kesehatan mental, seperti depresi, kecemasan, dan gangguan stres pasca trauma, memiliki dampak yang tidak proporsional terhadap populasi kunci dan orang yang hidup dengan HIV. Kondisi-kondisi ini dapat meningkatkan kerentanan terhadap penularan HIV atau terjadi sebagai akibat dari penularan HIV. Namun, diagnosis dan pengobatan kondisi kesehatan mental belum terintegrasi dengan baik ke dalam layanan perawatan HIV. Akibatnya, kebutuhan kesehatan mental yang tidak terpenuhi pada orang yang hidup dengan HIV, dan khususnya populasi kunci, dapat menyebabkan hasil kesehatan yang negatif di seluruh rangkaian layanan HIV [1].

Dalam sudut pandang ini, penulis membahas pentingnya mengatasi kebutuhan kesehatan mental orang yang hidup dengan HIV sambil menyoroti kesenjangan dan kemajuan yang ada saat ini. Para penulis menunjukkan inisiatif sukses yang bertujuan untuk memperkuat bukti yang mendukung intervensi kesehatan mental. Mereka juga menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata negara mendedikasikan kurang dari 2% anggaran layanan kesehatan mereka untuk kesehatan mental [2].

Para penulis menyerukan komitmen politik dan finansial untuk meningkatkan intervensi kesehatan mental berbasis bukti, yang menurut mereka sangat penting untuk mencapai target 95-95-95 PBB. Saat mereka menulis: “Kesehatan mental adalah hak asasi manusia. Mari kita bekerja sama untuk memastikan bahwa mereka yang hidup dengan, berisiko, atau terkena dampak HIV mempunyai hak atas standar kesehatan fisik dan mental tertinggi yang dapat dicapai.”
Kami mendorong Anda untuk juga membagikan sudut pandang ini dalam jaringan Anda pada Hari Kesehatan Mental Sedunia ini.

Journal of the International AIDS Society – 2023 – Wainberg – World Mental Health Day 2023 We must leave no one behind in.pdfDownload

[1] Remien et al. “Integrating mental health into HIV prevention and care: a call to action.” Journal of the International AIDS Society 24.Suppl 2 (2021).

[2] World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. World Health Organization. 2022.

Published by Ayuningtias | Lobbyist - Networker - Facilitator

Ayuningtyas Widari Ramdhaniar, S.I.A., M.Kesos. Ayuningtyas Widari Ramdhaniar (AWR) is an Indonesian strategic public affairs professional, government relations specialist, and social impact leader whose career spans public policy, institutional development, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, and strategic communications. She currently serves as Special Advisor to the Minister of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, where she contributes to strengthening Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem through strategic institutional development, public policy collaboration, and cross-sector partnerships. Alongside her public service, she continues to advise organizations on government relations, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development initiatives. Throughout her professional journey, Ayuningtyas has cultivated extensive collaborations across government institutions, parliament, state-owned enterprises, private corporations, academia, civil society organizations, and international partners. Her work is centered on bridging diverse stakeholders to transform ideas into measurable impact. She is the Founder of AWR Foundation, an independent platform dedicated to advancing strategic partnerships, leadership, and collaborative innovation by connecting government, business, academia, media, and communities to create long-term public value. Ayuningtyas earned both her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and her Master’s Degree in Social Welfare, with a specialization in Regional Autonomy, from the University of Indonesia. Her academic background has provided a strong foundation in governance, public policy, institutional reform, and community development. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is deeply committed to leadership development, nation building, the creative economy, diplomacy, women’s empowerment, public speaking, and lifelong learning. She believes that genuine leadership is defined not by authority or position, but by the positive influence one creates in the lives of others. This philosophy inspired the creation of Museum of Growth—a living archive that documents experiences, reflections, ideas, and lessons gathered throughout a lifelong journey of learning, leadership, and service. More than a personal collection, it is a space dedicated to inspiring others to embrace growth as a continuous process of becoming. Personal Philosophy “Growth is not measured by how far we have gone, but by how many lives become better because we choose to keep growing.” Ayuningtyas Widari Ramdhaniar Founder, Museum of Growth Voice of Influence

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