The Government of Seychelles is committed to ensuring a strong public health sector that meets the needs of the country, Minister of Health Mitcy Larue told UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on 23 April 2014 in Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
During the meeting, Mr Sidibé highlighted the leadership of the Government in the AIDS response and its commitment towards an AIDS-free generation. He also urged the Government to develop a sustainability transition plan to ensure that resources are invested strategically in priority areas of the HIV epidemic. Seychelles is currently mobilizing 100% of its HIV funding through domestic resources. According to government figures, in 2012 only two babies were born with HIV in Seychelles and 100% of pregnant women living with HIV were accessing treatment.
During his two-day visit to Seychelles, Mr Sidibé also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam to discuss the situation regarding the national AIDS response post-2015 and with members of the national AIDS council and representatives of civil society.
Mr Sidibé also visited the Les Cannelles wellness centre on 22 April to learn more about its comprehensive drug treatment programme.
"We will equip our young people to become actors of change because getting to zero is also making people responsible for their own health."
Seychelles Minister of Health, Mitcy Larue
"Seychelles will advocate for keeping the AIDS momentum in the post-2015 development framework."
Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam
"With an AIDS-free generation, Seychelles is beginning to end the epidemic. In order to sustain the gains we are experiencing, the country needs to urgently develop a sustainability transition plan that takes into account strategic and smart investment."
UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé
"I am staying out of addiction and beginning to realize what life is about after six years of using heroin. When you take heroin it makes you feel that you are ok but in reality you are not. My life journey has begun with great support of the staff at the wellness centre. I hope that the centre will always be there for us."
A Les Cannelles wellness centre client
