Youth workers enlightened on ‘Test and Treat’ campaign |09 October 2015

Employees of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) got the opportunity to learn more about the country’s outlook on the HIV/Aids epidemic and the ‘Test and Treat’ campaign through a workshop held last month. This came at an opportune time as the preliminary results of the National Youth Survey has revealed worrying trends in the lifestyle of the young people.  

The chief executive of the National Aids Council, Dr Anne Gabriel, thoroughly elaborated on the progress made by Seychelles in regards to prevention of new infections especially of mother to child, treatment of sufferers and also the many challenges that need to be overcome such as stigmatisation of those affected.

The nurse manager from the Communicable Diseases Control Unit (CDCU), Georgette Furneau, was also present to share her abundant experience. Ms Furneau stressed that the CDCU has an open door policy for everyone including the young people to come for advice or to make use of their services in a safe and confidential environment.

Following the session, the youth workers were offered to carry out the HIV rapid test on a voluntary basis through the assistance of the Youth Health Centre. Many of the employees took the opportunity to know their status and this was done in confidential manner.

After the workshop the employees felt that they were in a better position to communicate the right information about HIV/Aids to the young people and that they have to do more in support of such campaigns.