Country situational analysis [1]

In 2009, there were a cumulative number of 248 males and 181 females living with HIV. This corresponds to a ratin of 1.37 males to 1 female. Between 1987 and 2009, HIV prevalence was highest in 25 to 54 year old (85.3%). Overall, the highest HIV prevalence was recorded among men (66.7%).

HIV prevalence in Seychelles is estimated between 0.1% and 0.2%. As at December 2007, 115 persons had been diagnosed with AIDS, while 332 had tested positive for HIV.

The epidemic in the Seychelles is dynamic and reflects rapidly changing patterns of risk behaviours. The main mode of HIV transmission among the population is heterosexual sex (70%). There is a concern that hidden epidemics might be occurring in men who have sex with men, injecting drug users and sex workers.

Antiretroviral therapy has been available free of charge to all people living with HIV since August 2002. According to the 2010 UNAIDS Report on the AIDS epidemic, there were 139 people on antiretroviral treatment at the end of 2009.

Key elements of the national response

The response to HIV in Seychelles began shortly after the first AIDS case was registered in 1987 with an initial short-term plan. The following year, an AIDS-IEC Committee was formed within the Ministry of Health. The National AIDS Council (NAC) was launched in 2002. The Government also created a National AIDS Trust Fund in 2002 to help mobilize resources and coordinate prevention and care efforts.

A multi-sectoral five-year Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS for the period 2005- 2009 was launched. The Plan focuses particularly on targeting key populations at higher risk and scale up prevention, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission and voluntary counseling and testing. It also aims at increasing blood screening and safety, accessibility to post-exposure prophylaxis, provision of antiretroviral treatment, treatment of opportunistic infections and support to people living with HIV.

In 2006 Seychelles committed itself to develop and implement a package for HIV prevention, treatment and care with the goal of reaching “universal access to treatment for all those who need it by 2010”. In line with UNAIDS recommendations, a series of consultations took place to develop a road map for Universal Access.

Key achievements

• Launch of the first Short-Term Plan (1987-1988)
• Launch of the first Medium-Term Plan (1989-1993)
• Launch of the first Long-Term Plan (1993 and beyond
• Launch of a Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS/STIs in 2001.
• Creation of the National AIDS Council in 2002
• Creation of the National AIDS Trust Fund in 2002 with the aim to:
  • foster national interest and commitment for the prevention and control of HIV and the care of people living with HIV
  • mobilize resources for HIV programmes
  • promote and support national programmes on HIV
  • promote and support national programmes on HIV
• Creation the Technical Advisory Committee for HIV/AIDS in the Ministry of Health. This Committee meets fortnightly to discuss issues relating to care and support, testing, treatment and HIV surveillance
• Creation of the AIDS-IEC Committee in 1988 with the mandate to develop a national strategy for dissemination of HIV and AIDS information and promote an integrated approach to information, education and communication within the Ministry of Health and other sectors
• Set up of the HIV/AIDS Support Organization (HASO), the first non-governmental organization to deal with HIV in 1991
• Creation of the Seychelles HIV/AIDS Links Association in 2004, a network of 11 NGOs involved in the HIV response
• Launch of an HIV in the workplace policy which protects employees living with HIV from discriminatory and unfair treatment in the workplace
• Launch of the National Strategic Plan 2005-2009

Key challenges

• Human resources constraint
• Limited capacity to implement the National Strategic Plan
• Weak monitoring and evaluation systems
• Limited external funding due to Seychelles being a middle-income country
• Financial commitment from government and other sources needs to be scaled up
• High levels of HIV-relate stigma and discrimination

Useful links

• National Strategic Plan
• National AIDS Council
• 2010 UNGASS Report

Contacts

UNAIDS Country Office
Galaxy Andraharo, Bâtiment Ariane V, BP 1348
Tel: +261 20 23 366 32
Fax: +261 20 23 641 84

National AIDS Council
Mr Patrick Pillay
Chairperson
Ministry of Health, P.O.Box 52, Mahe, Seychelles
Tel: +248 388000

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1. All epidemiological data comes from the 2008 and 2010 country's UNGASS report, unless otherwise stated.