The Interagency Task Team (IATT) on young key populations (YKPs) in Asia and the Pacific, co-chaired by UNAIDS, UNDP and APCASO, released the second set of findings as part of the survey assessing the needs and ability of young key populations to access information, treatment and other HIV services during COVID-19.
These results show the impact that COVID-19 is having on the mental health and quality of life of young key populations and young people living with HIV in Asia and the Pacific.
According to the survey, the uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 is increasing the levels of stress and anxiety of young key populations and is having a direct impact on their mental well-being. Approximately 70% of respondents reported feeling anxious or extremely anxious and half of the young people living with HIV who completed the survey, noted that counselling for anxiety, depression, or other conditions was essential to adhering to their HIV treatment. Another 23% highlighted that peer support and connection with other people living with HIV was a vital service.
Among young people who reported needing mental health services, 34% had experienced delays or disruption in access to mental health medications due to COVID-19 and 47% had experienced delays or disruption in accessing psycho-social support as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
Based on the results of the survey, the IATT on YKPs made a set of key recommendations on mental health support. Read the survey results and recommendations here
