Oral

As HIV has become an infection that may be managed much like other chronic diseases, a focus on treatment and prevention continues. Efforts to conduct HIV testing, engage infected individuals in care, and reduce HIV transmission risk are priorities as HIV prevalence rates increase. The HIV/AIDS Section seeks to disseminate study findings related to HIV and mental health issues in order to improve future program planning and inform needed research efforts. This session is aimed to share latest research on topics related to mental health and HIV. The section identified this area as a priority, as mental health is a barrier to engaging in prevention and treatment efforts. The section supported the development of session in order to share innovative approaches to addressing mental health in the context of HIV.

Session Objectives: Identify how mental health impacts HIV prevention and treatment Describe programs that are aimed at addressing mental health issues in order to improve HIV outcomes