The HIV Mental Health Research Unit (HIVMHRU) brought its research project leaders together for an annual review process and launch of its new brand. The event was chaired by Prof John Joska who opened with a brief background of the unit and the vision for the future. He highlighted the importance of using these review meetings to share ideas and establish advisory committees to shed light, and assist in addressing challenges experienced by the various projects. The unit was established in response to the growing recognition of the burden of mental disorders in people living with HIV – including depressive, anxiety, substance abuse and neurocognitive disorders.

The rebranding process is part of the vision to maintain this position and to become a good contender for current mental health research. There’s growing interest and investment to increase mental health awareness across the country, therefore with more visibility and presence, this opens a window of opportunity for collaboration and the unit to become a carrier of this message through scientific research. This requires collective effort and where possible sharing resources and time. Through reports presented by the project managers it is evident that the unit has had quite a productive year and the possibilities for the future are endless.