A new report from United for Global Mental Health highlights the value of mental health integration in HIV and TB responses, with a South African case study included.
The SA Federation for Mental Health [SAFMH] is proud to have contributed to this new report jointly released by United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH) and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which spotlights the critical need to integrate mental health into HIV and TB programming.
As UnitedGMH notes:
This report comes at a pivotal moment for global health. As major donors and institutions face tightening budgets, mental health—despite growing recognition—is again at risk of being deprioritised in HIV and TB responses. Our findings show why that cannot be allowed to happen.”
The report is both a summary of progress and a call to action, showing that integration is not only necessary but also effective and cost-efficient.
South Africa’s efforts are featured as a case study in the report (see page 70), highlighting SAFMH’s advocacy and collaboration with partners to support the inclusion of mental health in Global Fund funding applications.
A standout quote comes from the lead writer of the Global Council 7’s funding request, who recalled (unprompted) SAFMH’s advocacy role:
Through the South African consultations, there was the South African Federation for Mental Health. Yeah, they were included in the consultations, and they also had indicated that there needs to be mental health services at all levels of health care delivery and then have trained health care workers on mental health.” (p. 73)
Key insights from the report include:
- Every $1 invested in advocacy efforts helped unlock an estimated $75 in HIV/TB funding for mental health integration.
- Political will for integration is growing, but these gains are now under threat as budgets tighten.
We are proud to stand alongside global partners in advocating for a future where mental health is a core component of public health systems. Download the full 2024 impact report, and read more about South Africa’s case study on page 70.
