The Global Mental Health Action Network at AIDS 2024
There is no health without mental health, and the attendees at AIDS 2024 wholeheartedly agree! We joined forces with United for Global Mental Health, Elton John AIDS Foundation, and The Global Fund to host the first-ever Mental Health Networking Zone at the Global Village. The response was overwhelming, and we were delighted to meet over 700 mental health advocates - a powerful demonstration of interest and solidarity that exceeded all our expectations!
Activists from various countries, including Thailand, Ireland, Ecuador, and New Zealand, came together to discuss our shared commitment to integrating mental health into HIV and TB programme. A significant focus was on creating safe spaces for LGBTQI+ mental health, and the launch of our new LGBTQI+ Working Group was met with great enthusiasm. During the conference, membership for this brand new group grew by over 500%, further expanding our community of dedicated activists committed to breaking down barriers, strengthening collaboration, and facilitating shared learning.
This conference provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with several Action Network members in person, and host focused conversations around mental health with our partners at Strongminds and SameSame. Together, we empowered attendees to explore impactful advocacy messaging and emerging, identity-affirming digital mental health tools.
Throughout the event, we distributed affirmation cookies with uplifting messages and captured these special moments of connection and friendship with our AIDS 2024 photo frame. By the end of the week, our 'commitment wall' was covered from corner to corner with handwritten calls to action, including making mental health a donor priority, engaging young leaders, combating stigma and discrimination, and supporting hard evidence.
Here is what Action Network member Sia Edwards from the Tanzania Community Health Information and Support team had to say about the strong mental health presence at this conference.
“Having a dedicated mental health zone at major global gatherings sends a powerful message about the importance of addressing mental wellbeing alongside other critical issues.
The zone provided a space for education, resources, and open dialogue in helping to reduce stigma and empower people to prioritise their mental health.
Integrating mental health programming into the fabric of large-scale events like AIDS 2024 and the Global Village demonstrates a holistic, human-centred approach. It recognises the link between physical, emotional, and social health - and the need to support the whole person, not just specific symptoms or diagnoses.
The visibility and attendance of a mental health zone signals growing societal awareness and a shift in priorities by understanding that mental health is just as vital as other public health concerns like infectious diseases to catalyse meaningful change in mental health interventions.”
The success of the Mental Health Networking Zone at AIDS 2024 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to prioritise mental health in global health discussions. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering inclusive, safe spaces for all, championing mental health integration in healthcare programmes, and expanding our community of passionate advocates.
Sign up for our new LGBTQI+ Working Group to get involved in these important discussions as we call for meaningful change and action!