01 December 2025 | Health.
Today, December 1st, Seychelles joins the global community in honoring all individuals living with HIV or AIDS, as well as those who have lost their lives to this disease. The red ribbon remains a powerful symbol of solidarity, reflecting our collective hope for a future free from AIDS and reaffirming our unwavering commitment to overcoming this challenge.
This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” presents a vital opportunity to recognize the indispensable contributions of healthcare professionals, communities, and civil society at every level, in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It reminds us that, despite significant progress over the decades, our work is far from complete. We must persevere, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure our programmes are more resilient and effective than ever before.
Over the past decade, Seychelles has made remarkable strides in combating HIV/AIDS. I commend every individual and organization whose dedication has brought us to this point. My personal journey with this cause is rooted in experience; having lived and worked through an era when HIV treatment was unavailable, I witnessed firsthand the pain and loss faced by Seychellois families. I also saw the breakthroughs when we dared to break the silence, providing free, life-saving antiretroviral treatment to those in need. Our success is a testament to teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the health of our citizens.
However, our mission is ongoing. Our youth remain vulnerable, and stigma and discrimination continue to act as barriers to access vital services. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers, protect our young people, and ensure they can access care without fear or prejudice.
We do not face this challenge alone. Over 40 years into this fight, the absence of an HIV vaccine or cure reminds us that the journey is long-term. Global funding challenges threaten our progress, but we must remain vigilant. HIV can strike in an instant, and lifelong treatment remains essential to manage the virus. Prevention, early detection, and ongoing support for those living with HIV are fundamental. To those affected, I reaffirm our government’s commitment to providing free treatment, care, and support. If setbacks occur, I encourage you to return and recommend your treatment, and to never give up.
HIV is a pandemic that affects us all. As Seychelles strives to achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030, I call upon every partner - public and private, community and individual - to play their part. Together, we can stay ahead of this silent epidemic and build a healthier, more resilient future.
Twenty-five years after boldly “Breaking the Silence,” we have faced many challenges and limited resources. Yet, we have moved forward relentlessly. The next five years are critical; the choices we make now will determine our success on the road to 2030. Let us be bold, innovative, and determined. Despite declining global attention to AIDS, Seychelles must look beyond disruptions and threats to transform our response. We owe it to our people and future generations to safeguard their well-being and build a legacy of resilience and hope.
Let us stand united in this mission. Together, we can overcome disruption and transform the AIDS response for a healthier Seychelles.
