Depression and HIV: integrated care towards 90-90-90

Abstract

Depression is a global public health problem affecting more than 300 million people. People living with HIV (PLWH) are twice as likely to suffer from depression when compared to matched non-HIV infected persons. Untreated, depression may hasten HIV disease progression. A large treatment gap for depression, particularly in low and middle income countries exists. There is, however, emerging evidence suggesting that trained lay health workers (LHW) can deliver evidence-based treatments in the absence of mental health professionals. Evidence-based treatments delivered by LHW can contribute towards reducing the treatment gap for depression and achieving the 90-90-90 objectives.

Keywords: Depression; HIV; Lay health workers; Treatment gap.