Mental health and substance use disorders are a growing global burden that is responsible for one out of every ten lost years of health. Additionally, people living with HIV experience higher rates of common mental health conditions, such as depression, which can pose a threat to the success of treatment programs and contribute to decreased antiretroviral therapy adherence.
In South Africa, I-TECH works with local partners and the National Department of Health to integrate mental health services into routine primary and chronic care as a way to increase access to care, ensure treatment adherence, and improve patient engagement.