Mental health support for adolescents with HIV in Burkina Faso

During the 13th AFRAVIH conference held in Lausanne, Switzerland, experts gathered to discuss the ongoing fight against HIV. A major focus of this year’s event is the psychological toll the virus takes on those affected, specifically regarding their mental well-being.

Le Conseil santé. Selon une étude menée en 2022 par Philip Kreniske, psychiatre au New York State Psychiatric Institute, les personnes vivant avec le VIH ont 74% plus de risques d’avoir déjà commis une tentative de suicide.

Guidance for HIV-positive youth in Burkina Faso

A key contributor to the conference is Christine Kafando, a dedicated activist from Burkina Faso. She made history as the first woman in her country to openly share her HIV-positive status. Today, she is a leading voice in advocating for the mental health needs of adolescents who are living with the virus.

Her work through her association in Burkina Faso focuses on providing comprehensive support for young people. At the AFRAVIH congress, she is highlighting the essential strategies needed to accompany these adolescents as they navigate the challenges of their condition.

  • Christine Kafando: A pioneer in the Burkina Faso HIV response, she emphasizes the necessity of specialized psychological care for youth within her community-based organization.