Seychelles to host XIX Indian Ocean colloquium on HIV/Aids, hepatitis and addictions   |10 November 2023

In the context of the regional response to HIV/Aids as a major public health issue, the government of Seychelles will host the XIX Indian Ocean colloquium on HIV/Aids, Hepatitis and Addictology (colloque) on November 13, 14 and 15, 2023.

Seychelles last hosted the colloque in 2010 and 2015. With the backdrop of a global HIV campaign of taking action to end inequalities, the theme is ‘VIH au Cœur des Soins Intégrés et Accessibles’.

After four years of absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the colloque will bring together about 200 representatives from Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Réunion, Maldives and Seychelles, as well as those from multilateral and bilateral organisations, private sector and civil society.

The colloque is an important platform on which these various sectors involved in all facets of HIV related work, including caregivers, persons living with HIV/Aids/hepatitis and the media, discuss issues, exchange ideas, share best practices and get updated on prevention, care and support approaches. It is a strategy to re-energise the island communities, bringing new life into the HIV/Aids agenda and seeks to sustain gains made since 1986, when the first person was reported with HIV in the Indian Ocean.

It is an opportunity for representatives of governments, civil society and other organisations to renew their engagement in work related to HIV, hepatitis and addictions. It is also a fitting occasion to strengthen cooperation networks among the islands.

As usual, the colloque is expected to have unique and far-reaching benefits to individuals, families, organisations and society as a whole.

Main activities over the three days will include plenary sessions, parallel workshops and an exhibition.

The President of the Republic will officially open the colloque on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 5pm in the Savoy Resort and Spa conference room.

A press conference will be held in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the same venue to update on outcomes and recommendations of the colloque.

Contributed