Integrating mental health support into HIV prevention: An organizational framework for NGOs, informed by Ukraine’s experience

TL;DR

This paper presents a framework for NGOs to integrate mental health support into HIV prevention, based on experiences in Ukraine.

Contribution

A novel organizational framework for integrating mental health into HIV prevention, developed through participatory processes in Ukraine.

Findings

An organizational framework with four domains was successfully adopted by 14 NGOs in Ukraine.

Integration of mental health services into HIV prevention was found feasible even in resource-limited settings.

Challenges included funding, stigma, and staff workload, with recommendations for sustainability and capacity building.

Abstract

The objective was develop and promote an organizational policy framework that enables non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in HIV prevention in Ukraine to systematically integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into their operations, thereby improving both client and staff well-being and strengthening HIV prevention outcomes. A practice-based, participatory policy development and implementation process was launched, embedded within the “Community Action for HIV Control” (CAHC) project, encompassing 14 regional NGOs in Ukraine, incorporating stakeholder consultations, policy co-creation, and training. An iterative co-development of a mental health organizational framework informed by global best practices and local feasibility, with input from participating NGOs, was implemented, based on the previous situational analysis of NGO mental health capacities and practices and implementation of the development and dissemination of a training-of-trainers programme for non-mental health professionals, delivery of evidence-based psychosocial interventions and six months of supervision. All 14 participating NGOs adopted the organizational framework, which defines four key domains: planning and resource allocation, staff support, client mental health services (via a stepped care model), and community engagement. NGOs integrated various levels of MHPSS into existing HIV services, supported by structured protocols, referral directories, and internal monitoring mechanisms. Challenges identified included funding constraints, stigma, limited specialist availability, and staff workload concerns. Recommendations addressed sustainability through task-sharing, partnerships, internal capacity building, and anti-stigma initiatives. Integrating mental health into HIV prevention services through a structured organizational framework was found both feasible and essential, even in resource-limited settings. The framework offers a scalable model for other NGOs globally and reinforces the principle that mental health is a vital component of comprehensive HIV prevention. Sustainable implementation requires organisational commitment, staff support, community linkages, and continuous capacity strengthening.

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