With millions of South Africans affected by both HIV/AIDS and mental health challenges, leading experts have come together at the 2nd South African Mental Health Conference 2025 on Tuesday, 28 and Wednesday, 29 October at Emperors Palace Convention Centre.
The two-day conference aims to unite mental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators and community leaders to explore how mental health can be better integrated into chronic illness care. South Africa continues to navigate one of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates, with approximately 8-million people living with HIV, or 12.8% of the population (Spotlight South Africa, 2025). Access to newer HIV prevention treatments remains limited due to cost and supply constraints, says the NPO.
Building on World Mental Health Day
Aligned with World Mental Health Day on Friday, 10 October, this year;s theme, "Together for Mental Health," aims to highlight the power of collaboration in advocating for accessible care, sharing lived experiences and creating systems that support mental well-being for all, says the NPO.
"We know what works. We know why it matters. The question now is: why aren't we acting fast enough? The 2nd National Mental Health Conference is more than a meeting — it's a defining moment to move beyond talk into transformation," says Prof. Jason Bantje, Conference Chair.
Confronting the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
South Africa continues to face the challenges of HIV/AIDS. A US$115-million bridging plan aims to sustain HIV treatment and prevention programmes until March 2026 (UNAIDS, 2025), following previous funding reductions, says the NPO.
Integrating Mental Health into Healthcare
The conference will feature sessions on:
- The psychological impact of chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.
- Strategies for embedding mental health support into healthcare programmes.
- Tackling stigma and promoting mental well-being.
- Collaborative healthcare approaches including mental health professionals in treatment planning.
"A growing movement of scientists, practitioners, people with lived experience, policymakers and advocates is forming and this conference is your chance to join them," Prof. Bantje adds.
A Call to Action
The conference aims provides a vital platform to share knowledge, tackle stigma and develop practical strategies to improve mental health across South Africa. Mental health professionals, educators, researchers, NGOs and policymakers are encouraged to register by Saturday, 25 October, concludes the NPO.
For more information, visit www.sadag.org.
*Image courtesy of contributor