Press Releases Published Today
UniSey meets with current NIE students to explain transition to School Of Education. (Date: 01/12/2009)
The Vice-Chancellor and the Faculty of UniSey will meet the current NIE Students at two separate sessions on the 2nd December 2009.
The meetings will provide an opportunity to explain to the students the progression routes in Teacher Training courses that will be offered by UniSey. It will also reassure the students following the current NIE courses, that they will have the opportunity to either complete programmes as planned or switch to higher level courses within the new course structure.
UniSey will work closely with the Ministry of Education and invest in the development of Teacher Training which will have positive impact on the continuous raising of standards in our schools. UniSey will seek to achieve training of teachers to graduate level in collaboration with Edith Cowan University, The University of London and University of La Reunion.
Majority of the lecturers currently teaching at NIE will join the staff of the school of Education effective January the 1St 2010. There are no plans to move the School of Education to Anse Royale campus. All the teacher-training courses will be based at the Mont Fleuri UniSey Campus (former NIE complex).
Your presence to cover the event is requested and appreciated.
For further information contact: Contact Lalita Mayadas at Seychelles University Foundation on 611440.
Location: NIE Auditorium
Time: Session 1- 8:30 a.m. and session 2 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday 2nd December 2009
WORLD AIDS DAY CAMPAIGN 2009 (Date: 01/12/2009)
Theme: “Youth let’s be on the move to change behaviours towards HIV/ AIDS”
The theme has been chosen to address the critical need to protect human rights and attain access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. It also acts as a call to countries to remove laws that discriminate against people living with HIV, women and marginalized groups. Countries are also urged to realise the many commitments they made to protect human rights in the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (2001) and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (2006). (Message from the Secretary General- Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations-World AIDs Day 2008)
WORLD AIDS DAY is commemorated during the first week of December annually under a chosen theme by the United Nations every year.
Activities to commemorate World AIDS Day 2009 in Seychelles kicked off since September 2009 with sensitize activities and initiatives by various community groups and will be ongoing until the end of this month (see attached programme).
Click here to download the program.
For this year the main national activity has taken an innovative dimension compared to previous year’s campaign, whereby it will be spearheaded by the youth through the youth for the youth under the theme:
“Youth let’s be on the move to change behaviours towards HIV/ AIDS”
The road show scheduled for Friday the 4th of December will be lead by the Jj Spirit Foundation youth Caucus, coordinated by the Ministry of Health and social Development. The motorcade will go round Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, stopping at every Secondary School where educative information will be communicated to the young students. The students will animate the one hour stop over at their schools under the guidance of the teachers and the School Health Nurses in their respective districts. The Launching of the Road Show will be held at the Water front Park at 8.15am where everyone is invited to attend and even participate in the road Show. Praslin will be hosting the same event on Saturday the 28th November 2009 from 4pm.
Another event symbolizing the commitment of the national political leaders in our country is the symbolic pinning of Red ribbons to all the Parliamentarians in the sitting of the 1st of December 2009.The Speaker will dedicate 5 minutes to address the assembly on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in our country.
The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation will be playing a major role this year through the dissemination of information to the general public, through documentaries, video films, round table discussion and radio program interviews. The general public will have the opportunity to telephone and share their concerns and views on any issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS on AM and FM radio, from the 30th to the 1st December.
Background
From the year 2005 to 2010 the chosen theme for the International AIDS Day are “Leadership” but different sub theme annually. For the year 2009, emphasis is placed on “Universal Access and Human Rights” as slogan “STOP AIDS KEEP the PROMISE”.
The situation is overwhelming within the region, with Mauritius having a HIV prevalence of 1.8%, followed by Seychelles with 0.%5, Madagascar 0.13 and reunion and Comoros has between 0.1 to 0.2%. The age groups of 15 to 39 years accounts for 79% of the total number infected with HIV in 2009 compared to 68% in 2008.If we compare the same figure with our neighboring country , Mauritius, the age group 15 to 39 years accounts for 74.6% of the total HIV infection for the same period.
The most common mode of HIV transmission in Seychelles remains Heterosexual at 76%, followed by Homo /bi-sexual at 17% and Mother to Child transmission. 7%. The injecting drug users although data remains scanty. The situation is Seychelles is very worrying as there are many trends in substance abuse similar to what happened in other countries in the sub-region, before the surge in HIV infections related to drug injection. The latter is a matter of concern as figures at the CDCU confirm 36 cases of hepatitis C out of this total 8 was detected in 2008 compared to 30 cases from January to November 2009. Evidence world wide shows that injecting drug use is accompanied by sharing of injecting materials and high transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C.
The problem looks overwhelming, especially in a small country like Seychelles, with a lower number of population within the region. Since January 2009, we have detected 40 new cases of HIV, compared to 45 new cases for the whole of 2008. To date, we have 416 persons reported cases of HIV as from 1987,276 with AIDS compared to 145 in 2008 and 73 deaths from AIDS and 126 clients on treatment.
Despite great awareness on HIV/AIDS in the country, behavior change has been slow forthcoming, hence the need for further sensitization, education and emphasis on behaviour change. That is why we need to reinforce our strategies during this coming World AIDS campaign 2009.
Unless HIV is kept from spreading among the young people, future generations will be condemned to suffer not only from HIV but also from enormous economic and social costs of sustained HIV treatment and Care and Support. Building a strong community of young champions and leaders is critical for an effective response to HIV and AIDS.
For further information contact Ms. Rosie Bistoquet National AIDS Control Programme Manager on 388122 / 388054 / 388230.E-mail aids@moh.gov.sc
World AIDS Day (Date: 01/12/2009)
Minister’s Message
The 1st of December each year the world commemorates World AIDS Day, and this year marks 22 years since the United Nations declared its first campaign against HIV and AIDS. Yet, twenty-two years later a cure or a vaccine for this tragic and potentially deadly disease has not been found.
The situation is overwhelming within the region where the trend shows increase in HIV amongst the age group 15 to 39 years which accounts for 79% of the total number infected with HIV in 2009 compared to 68% in 2008.
In Seychelles, since January 2009, we have detected 43 new cases of HIV, compared to 45 new cases for the whole of 2008. The trends in substance abuse we are observing here are similar to what happened in other countries before the surge in HIV infections related to drug injection. This is of great concern to us as 30 cases of hepatitis C has been diagnosed this year alone; all linked to intravenous drug use. Evidence worldwide shows that injecting drug use is accompanied by sharing of infected materials and high transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C.
The international theme for this year is “Universal Access and Human Rights”.
This theme offers a good opportunity to highlight the plight of the most stigmatised and marginalised within our communities.
The year 2009 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This anniversary is a special occasion lending weight to the need to protect the rights of children- including their rights relating to HIV and AIDS.
The theme is ideal for our small population since our challenges in managing the HIV/AIDs epidemic in Seychelles are many:
- There is persistent risky behaviour despite reportedly high awareness on HIV and AIDS. Our people continue to engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners and non-regular partners; many abuse alcohol and use drugs.
- Some people still avoid knowing their status and avoid seeking early care because of stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS, even if, the ‘Break the Silence Campaign” was initiated on World AIDS day 2000, nine years ago
- Many young people are particularly at risk of becoming infected with HIV because of the situations in which they live, learn, and earn. This is compounded by risky behaviours they adopt or adapt to as a result of social, cultural and economic factors.
Unless HIV is kept from spreading especially among the young people, future generations will be condemned to suffer not only from HIV but also from enormous economic and social costs of sustained HIV treatment, care and support. We need to build a strong community of young champions and leaders as this is critical for an effective response to HIV and AIDS.
For those of you (young and not so young) with risky behaviours of acquiring HIV/AIDs infections and other blood-borne infections, take a decisive step today: have a HIV test done and know your status before it is too late. It is your right and equally your responsibility to maintain healthy lifestyle to prevent diseases.
I would like to congratulate the youth NGOs that have taken the leadership role to spearhead this year national World AIDS Day activity under the theme “Lazenes Koste e Bouze pou Sanz Nou Konportman Anver SIDA”, to reach out to the unreached youth since the youth in our country are the most affected.
On our part, the Ministry remains fully committed and will continue to do its utmost, within its means, to sustain the provision of HIV/AIDS services.
I would like to call on the whole community of Seychelles especially those engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support to come together and multiply our effort in the fight against HIV/AIDS in our small country.
Let today be a day of reflection and action in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
National Aids Trust Fund (Date: 01/12/2009)
On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the National Aids Trust Fund would like to take this opportunity to inform the public of our activities in 2009 and seek the support of interested donors within the community for 2010.
The National Aids Trust Fund was created to mobilize resources for the prevention of HIV and AIDS through education, information and communication, and support those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Presently NATF is run by a board made up of members of the private sector, NGO’s, the Health Sector and Finance who meet on a monthly basis to assess grant applications from organizations aimed at prevention and control of HIV and AIDS.
NATF is currently receiving funding exclusively from the government of SR 1 million per year and is audited annually by the Auditor General. Organizations apply to NATF for funding with approval based on specific eligibility criteria. Once a project is approved, a member of the NATF board monitors the activity to ensure that the funds have been spent in line with the project application.
So far this year NATF has received 12 applications for funding of which 10 have been approved. The total funding approved is SR 1,289,087.48 and the projects include a documentary to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, education programs aimed at sensitizing job seekers and the youth, peer education programs for union representatives, religious organizations and leaders within the Scouts Association, and a live drama production. Funding has also been provided to support an HIV/AIDS helpline, purchase anti retro viral drugs for AIDS patients, produce several HIV/AIDS publications and send health and NGO representatives to the recent HIV/AIDS conference (Colloque) in Reunion.
With the continual pressure on public funding, we would like to appeal to the business community or private sector to contribute to the NATF so that we can continue to support projects and quickly react to emerging issues within our community and ultimately reduce the number of HIV and AIDS cases in the Seychelles. If you wish to contribute to NATF please contact the Manager of the HIV/AIDS Control Program in the Health Department on 388054 or aids@moh.gov.sc.
We would like to take this opportunity to encourage all Seychellois to show support to the World AIDS Day Campaign for 2009 with the theme “Youth let’s be on the move to change behaviors towards HIV/AIDS”.
United Nations Secretary General Message (Date: 01/12/2009)
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON WORLD AIDS DAY
The world is seeing signs of progress in reversing the AIDS epidemic in some countries. Investments in the AIDS response are producing results and saving lives.
At the same time, in global terms new infections are outpacing the gains achieved in putting people on treatment, and AIDS remains one of the leading causes of premature death globally.
On World AIDS Day this year, our challenge is clear: we must continue doing what works, but we must also do more, on an urgent basis, to uphold our commitment to reach universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010.
This goal can be achieved only if we shine the full light of human rights on HIV. That means countering any form of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. It means eliminating violence against women and girls. It means ensuring access to HIV information and services.
I urge all countries to remove punitive laws, policies and practices that hamper the AIDS response, including travel restrictions against people living with HIV. Successful AIDS responses do not punish people; they protect them.
In many countries, legal frameworks institutionalize discrimination against groups most at risk. Yet discrimination against sex workers, drug users and men who have sex with men only fuels the epidemic and prevents cost-effective interventions. We must ensure that AIDS responses are based on evidence, not ideology, and reach those most in need and most affected.
People living with HIV can be powerful role models in guiding us to better approaches to prevention, health and human dignity. We must recognize their contributions and promote their active participation in all aspects of the AIDS response.
On this World AIDS Day, let us uphold the human rights of all people living with HIV, people at risk of infection, and children and families affected by the epidemic. Let us, especially at this time of economic crisis, use the AIDS response to generate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. Most of all, let us act now.
SEYCHELLES AND CUBA BUILD ON THE PAST AND SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE (Date: 29/11/2009)
President Michel held extensive talks with President Raul Castro today (Sunday 29th November) as he kicks off his official state visit to Cuba.
In the meeting, the President hailed the extraordinary relations that exist between the two countries based on many years of mutual support and assistance. In the discussions, the two leaders discussed the possibilities of enhancing cooperation in the health and education sectors particularly.
Seychelles and Cuba signed an Integrated Health Programme agreement (PIS agreement) in July 2009 which sets out the framework for cooperation between the two countries. There are currently 21 Cuban doctors working in Seychelles under the agreement.
In future cooperation, the two presidents discussed the possibility of setting up pilot projects to make use of advanced Cuban techniques to combat leptospirosis and diabetes as well as other diseases that affect the health of Seychellois. In recent years, Cuba has become a pioneer in the development of pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.
The two leaders also discussed the means of enhancing training in the medical sector by turning Victoria Hospital into a teaching hospital for local doctors with support of Cuban experts. This cooperation would also be done with the support of the newly set up University of Seychelles.
The extension of scholarships for Seychellois was also discussed.
President Michel and President Castro also expressed their shared concern regarding ongoing negotiations relating to climate change in the context of the forthcoming Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change to be held in December. Both Presidents expressed their dissatisfaction with negotiations thus far and called on the developed world to pledge resources to climate change mitigation as well as take concrete action to curb emissions substantially.
“As two island nations- Seychelles and Cuba are on the front line of climate change. We have to continue in our fight to ensure that the voices of islands are heard in the debate of climate change. It is the duty of islands to support each other in this crucial battle for mankind. We must continue to be the voices of reason despite the irrationality of inaction which prevails”, the President commented after the meeting.
President Michel also organised a meeting with the 22 Seychellois students currently studying in Cuba, where they had a chance to exchange views on a number of subjects. The meeting was an opportunity for the students to get the Head of State’s direct views on many issues affecting their country including the economic reforms and the threat of piracy. Nelson Charles, a PHD student in agriculture, thanked the President and the government on behalf of his fellow students, for the support in their studies and said that they are fully embracing the opportunity that their studies in Cuba is offering for them to empower themselves.
“In an increasingly globalised world, education is the key for islands such as Seychelles and Cuba to compete. We must seize every opportunity to develop the skills of our population and we appreciate the support of Cuba in this regard”, the President noted.
PRESIDENT JAMES MICHEL TO UNDERTAKE AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA (Date: 27/11/2009)
President James Michel will undertake an official visit to the Republic of Cuba this week-end, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Cuba.
President Michel will be accompanied by Ms. Marie-Pierre Lloyd, Minister for Health and Social Development, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, Secretary of State in the Office of the President and other senior government officials.
During the two day visit, President Michel will meet with H.E. Mr. Raul Castro, President of the Republic of Cuba, and other senior government officials in the capital city of Havana.
Discussions are expected to focus on general aspects of cooperation between the two countries with emphasis on the health and education sectors, as well as areas of mutual concerns including the fight against the effects of climate change.
Presently, 22 Seychellois are pursuing studies in Cuba in different fields while 29 Cuban experts are working in Seychelles, mainly in the medical field.
Let today be a day of reflection and action in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Seychelles and Cuba established Diplomatic Relations in April 1976.
NEW RECRUITS READY FOR MODERN DEFENCE FORCES (Date: 25/11/2009)
President James Michel, as the Commander in Chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces, has asked the Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Leopold Payet to continue to implement the restructuring of the defence forces, to give the members more resources, capacity, training and skills in order to become a more modern efficient and professional force.
“ Officers should be ready to be more innovative, ready to be exemplary, ready to be responsible and to work hard; ready to give everything to the forces, and everything for their country,” said President Michel.
President Michel was speaking at the passing out ceremony of new recruits and the graduation of the Special Forces unit at the Seychelles Defence Academy this afternoon.
President Michel said that the Defence Forces Day marks 28 years since the SPDF faced its first battle in defending Seychelles territory against aggression, when a number of Seychellois politicians employed foreign mercenaries to attack the country, and the SPDF repelled the attack. President Michel said that on that day the SPDF entered history as a force that was determined to defend its people and land.
“In the last 28 years we have passed through many challenges, we have achieved much success; we have evolved and modernised our armed forces. Today on this occasion of the Defence Forces Day, I would like to congratulate all members of the armed forces . I would also thank you for all the work you are doing to defend our country, there is nothing more noble, nothing better when a man or a woman is ready to defend the country and its territorial integrity,” said President Michel.
President Michel said that today the existence of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces was further validated by the work of the SPDF to protect Seychelles territory against piracy attacks.
“Today we see why it is necessary for us to have defence forces, as today thanks to them we are protecting our country; thanks to them our Coast Guard is patrolling and making sure that pirates do not enter our territorial waters. This is why we have to work to continue to modernize the forces in order to be able to face these new challenges.”
The President also thanked all the Seychelles’ international partners who are helping in the fight against piracy in the region, as well their aid in training and organisation of the SPDF.
ACP MINISTERIAL FISHERIES MECHANISM (Date: 25/11/2009)
The ACP Council of Ministers
-Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, from 16 – 18 November 2009
RECALLING the objectives contained in the Georgetown agreement and the Cotonou Partnership Agreement;
RECALLING its previous resolution on the establishment of a ministerial fisheries mechanism adopted at its 87th Session in Addis Ababa in June 2008;
HAVING REGARD to the report of the First Meeting of the ACP Ministers in charge fisheries which took place Brussels in June 2009;
COGNIZANT of the significant importance of fisheries in the majority of ACP States;
DESIROUS of ensuring that our fisheries resources are exploited in a sustainable and beneficial manner by addressing international fisheries issues in a proactive and systematic approach;
HEREBY DECIDES TO:
a) Adopt the Rules of Procedure of the ACP Fisheries Mechanism;
b) Endorse the ACP fisheries related proposals in the current negotiations of the Cotonou Agreement;
c) Endorse the request to the EC to delay the entry into force of the EU Regulation on IUU Fishing;
d) Mandate the Committee of Ambassadors to finalise the ACP Position Paper on the EC Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy before the closure of the consultations on 31 December 2009 for submission to the EC;
e) Instruct the Committee of Ambassadors in liaison with the new Management of the ACP Secretariat to take the necessary measures in order to ensure the creation of and recruitment for the post of Fisheries Expert within the ACP Secretariat;
f) Mandate the Committee of Ambassadors to explore how the ACP countries affected by acts of Piracy could be assisted;
g) Request the President of Council to forward this decision to the Council of the European Union and its Member States, the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and the European Commission.
- Done in Brussels on 19 November 2009
Minister Leads Strong Team At ACP council (Date: 21/11/2009)
Minister Joel Morgan led a strong six-member delegation to the 90th Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP), which closed on Thursday in Brussels.
The council considered the report of the first meeting of the ACP fisheries ministers, presented by Mr Morgan as the current chairman of their committee.
It also approved a recommendation to set up a ministerial fisheries mechanism, which aims to shore up political support – both within the group and from its external partners – for new approaches to fisheries governance and cooperation.
This will ensure that fisheries and aquaculture play their full part in the social and economic development of the ACP member states. More information on the issue is available on the ACP website at www.acp.int
Piracy off the coast of Somalia was also discussed by the ACP council which, at the request of Seychelles, mandated its committee of ambassadors to explore how ACP countries affected by such acts can be helped. The council also debated several key issues and challenges now facing the ACP Group, including the status of the second five-year revision of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement with the European Union (EU) and negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and various ACP regions.
Also discussed were the global economic and financial crisis and the coordinated ACP position on climate change for the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Climate Change to be held in Copenhagen next month.
Speaking on the latter issue, Mr Morgan called for the support of the ACP council and member states to press for a legally binding framework on greenhouse gas reduction targets.
During its session, the council also approved the appointment of Dr Mohammed Chambas from Ghana as the new secretary-general of the ACP Group for the next five years.
Apart from Mr Morgan, Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport, the Seychellois delegation comprised new principal secretary for foreign affairs Barry Faure, principal secretary for natural resources and transport Veronique Herminie, ambassador designate to Belgium and the EU Vivianne Fock-Tave, managing director of the Seychelles Fishing Authority Ina Henriette and counsellor in the Seychelles embassy in Belgium Audrey Dine-Angras.