The Les Canelles wellness centre in Seychelles was opened in 2013 with the aim of helping clients stop or reduce the use of drugs through opioid substitution therapy, reducing the harm caused by long-term drug use and reintegrating the clients into their communities to lead healthy and productive lives.

Visiting the wellness centre on 22 April 2014, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé reiterated the importance of putting in place a comprehensive opioid substitution programme to deal with the psychological, physical and sociological effects of drug use. “This is one of the best drug rehabilitation centres I have visited. It is not only treating drug addicted people and saving their lives, it is also restoring the dignity of people who are left behind,” said Mr Sidibé.

Since its inauguration in January 2013 by Seychelles President James Michel, the centre has reached hundreds of inpatient and outpatient clients. "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,” said a client. “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."