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By Lucca Munnik  In the previous article on HIV and mental health, there was a discussion on various influences and psychosocial issues associated with the virus (the causes and effects). Now, by using the concepts discussed, we can examine the notions of psychological interventions used to treat and support people living with both HIV (PLWH) and mental disorders. These interventions focus on the individual or HIV-community in order to improve their well-being and solve psychological issues...

By Lucca Munnik  An HIV diagnosis has huge effects on an individual’s life, not only physically but also psychologically. This is demonstrated by the fact that 50% of PLWH (people living with HIV) develop one or more psychiatric disorders1. This concept has been researched in terms of cause and effect between the virus and mental health. HIV-stigma, discrimination and trauma cause psychosocial issues to arise thereby strengthening the negative effect of HIV on mental health. Thus, it ...

“One in 8 people living with HIV report having faced discrimination in health care settings. We must treat people equally with respect and dignity”, Michel Sidibe the executive director of UNAIDS was reported saying at the UNAIDS zero-discrimination panel discussion on the 1st March.Respect and dignity towards each other irrespective of gender, sex, religion and also HIV status is at the very heart of being a humane human being. One need only to look within one’s own circle of ...

By Liza Kolomiiets  The HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region  - that’s what you often hear when people are talking about AIDS2018 conference. Why is it so often mentioned? What does it have to do with the AIDS2018 conference in Amsterdam?The reason why the EECA region is important for the conference is because this region is the only region in the world where both new HIV cases and AIDS-related deaths are rising dramatically.Let's look at it from a hi...

By Anna Devereux  HIV self-testing is positioned by the World Health Organisation as a way to increase testing for key populations, such as sex workers. Its also viewed as a mechanism to reach the 90-90-90 goals laid out by UNAIDS whereby 90% of all HIV positive individuals are diagnosed, 90% of all persons diagnosed are on a treatment plan and finally, 90% of those receiving treatment are virally suppressed by the year 2020. While increasing diagnostics is at first glance nothing but const...