First frontline epidemiology training programme launched in Seychelles |23 January 2024

Delegates and guests in a souvenir photograph

The launch of the first frontline epidemiology training programme took place yesterday in Seychelles. The main aim of the training spearheaded by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) is to equip participants with all the necessary skills to prevent, detect, respond to animal and public health diseases.

Twenty professionals from Seychelles are taking part in the 13-week training taking place at the Backstage restaurant located at the Roche Caiman Maison De football. They are 10 professionals from the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment and 10 from the Ministry of Health.

The launching ceremony was held in the presence of the principal secretary for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Keven Nancy, and Dr Lovena Veerapa Mangroo, Deputy Coordinator of SEGA Network- One health, along with IOC representatives and members of the two local ministries.

PS Nancy said the workshop will strengthen the ministries’ epidemiological capacity. “This programme has been carefully designed to empower our agricultural and public health,” he stated.

Each member will be trained and equipped to better detect and respond to diseases, improve their awareness and to better improve their decision-making skills. They will also be more educated on how to communicate crucial information about health problems in a community, including infectious and non-communicable diseases and environmental hazards.

“We embark on a journey that not only bridges the gap between agriculture and public health but also the principles of health,” said Mr Nancy.

The training is the first block in a series funded by COI, and according to Dr Mangroo the participants will receive a Diploma at the end of it. Those who do well will pursue the course at Masters’ level with other professionals from the region.

Kassey Govinden

Photos by Joena Meme