COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVES ON THE WHO GLOBAL HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIES FOR HIV, VIRAL HEPATITIS, AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (2022–2030)

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Sector Strategies (GHSS) 2022–2030 provide a comprehensive framework for ending HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as public health threats by 2030. This review examines the strategies through a Community Psychology perspective, emphasizing ecological approaches, empowerment, social justice, prevention, and community participation. The GHSS recognizes that these infections are influenced not only by biological factors but also by social determinants such as stigma, inequality, poverty, and limited healthcare access. The strategies promote people-centred, rights-based, and integrated health services while strengthening community leadership, primary prevention, harm reduction, testing, and adolescent-friendly care. They highlight the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable and priority populations through culturally responsive and equitable interventions. Lessons from COVID-19 further demonstrate the need for resilient health systems, collaboration, and community engagement. From a Community Psychology viewpoint, the GHSS reflects a shift toward community-driven healthcare by combining biomedical approaches with empowerment, collective action, and social inclusion to reduce health inequalities and improve global well-being.