Gede Foundation specialists met with officers of NEPWHAN (FCT) on May 14, 2014 to advance the planning for a baseline study of mental health to build the capacity of Adherence Counselors in addressing mental health issues of members. Many shared their stories—how they reacted the first time they were diagnosed with HIV, how they are coping with the side effects of medication, and how important their support groups were to them.

There were about 25 members who took great interest in knowing the link between HIV and mental health. Staying mentally healthy is an essential factor in adherence to medication.

The engagement helped both organizations baseline study results are expected to guide Gede in designing a stigma reduction training program for Adherence Counselors by July 2014.