Breaking down global barriers: A multinational and multi-community approach to combat stigma and enhance mental wellbeing in people with HIV

Abstract

Introduction: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Global 2025 targets prioritize action to overcome the collective barriers affecting the people and communities sitting on the outer margins of HIV care. Addressing the social and structural disparities that drive greater HIV prevalence and burden requires well-resourced, community-led responses that are fully integrated into national and global HIV initiatives. Methods: The HIV Community Council (HCC), composed of 10 leaders from diverse global communities, convened to share their insights, amplify the community's voice, and identify barriers and solutions to empower all to live well with HIV through a dynamic, stepwise process of preparative work, deep discussion, prioritization, and consensus. Results: The HCC created six recommendations to address two important barriers to living well with HIV: stigma and poor mental wellbeing. These recommendations are informed by best practice and community experience. They include suggestions for developing and delivering actionable solutions at the community level to prompt opportunities for support from existing global and regional organizations. Conclusion: The HCC calls for action to implement community-endorsed, culturally appropriate, and practical solutions to tackle stigma and poor mental wellbeing and improve the long-term health of people with HIV.