The President of the Republic and Patron of the National AIDS Council, Mr Danny Faure, attended the launching of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis 2019-2023, at the Savoy this afternoon.

The National Strategic Plan and its accompanying monitoring and evaluation framework has the primary goal of achieving 90-90-90 by 2023, that is: 90% of all people living with HIV will have been diagnosed, 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV will be receiving treatment, and 90% of people on treatment will be virally suppressed.  The plan outlines a clear strategy to achieve this goal, whilst also creating an atmosphere of zero stigma and discrimination toward those that are infected, and strengthening delivery of HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

Addressing those present, the Minister for Health, Mr Jean Paul Adam, said, “I invite everyone to recommit to a Seychelles with no new HIV cases, where everyone knows their status, where there is no stigma or discrimination, and there is treatment available to all. HIV affects us all, and we must all take the responsibility to contribute toward these pillars of a healthy society.”

CEO of the National AIDS Council, Dr Anne Gabriel, outlined the main components of the strategic plan, before the documents were formally presented to President Faure by Minister Adam.

In his address, President Danny Faure spoke on the importance of getting tested, and recommitted government’s full support to all those receiving treatment for HIV. “If we continue to work together, all national and international organisations, government, private sector, civil society, religious groups, and advocates, there is no reason why we cannot reach the 90-90-90 target before 2023. Let us work together to reduce the cases of HIV and hepatitis, reduce the number of people that die from these treatable diseases, and ensure there is no stigma or discrimination in our society.”

Also present at the launching this afternoon was the Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, Leader of the Opposition, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, Leader of Government Business, Mr Charles Decommarmond, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Ahmed Afif, Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Mrs Myriam Telemaque, Board members of the National AIDS Council, officials from the Ministry of Health, and other invited guests.