Haso brings HIV/Aids awareness closer to communities |16 May 2022

The HIV/Aids Support Organisation (Haso) in collaboration with the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) and the children, youths and parish of Saint Mary Magdalena of Takamaka, organised a candle light march and religious service on Saturday May 14 in remembrance of family members living with HIV and Aids and those who have passed away with the virus.

The activity was in commemoration of the International Day of the Family and the International Aids Candle Light Memorial day, both celebrated yesterday (Sunday May 15).

The candle light procession took off near the Takamaka police station, all the way up to the church, led by a large group of children and youths carrying placards with different sensitised messages against the spread of the virus and stigmatisation.

The service was led by Father Eric Leon and animated by the children and youths through poems, songs and a theatrical play to raise the awareness on the dangers of HIV/Aids, prevention and responsibilities.

Before the mass, the children and youths placed their lighted memorial candles at the altar in memory of the living souls and those of the departed.

The International Aids Candle Light Memorial is celebrated on the third Sunday of May each year and it is to maintain the action and fight against HIV and Aids.

As the number of cases increases, the candle light act as a significant intervention for social awareness, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination and further, gives hope to families of this new generation.  

It is anticipated that in this light, we continue to remember the past and prepare for the future so that we can take actions that keep us safe, healthy and alive.

Furthermore, we must all strive to bring hope as we believe in the triumphant of love and courage, over fear and hate no matter what viruses may come.

Statistics, from January 2021 to December 2021, show 59 new HIV cases and 29 related deaths (20 males/9 women). The cumulative total of HIV was 969. A total of 15,638 HIV tests (10,180 males/5435 females) were done in 2021.

The chairman of Haso, Justin Freminot, said that the number of new cases and the number of deaths in 2021 is a worrying sign taking into account the number of people who are not coming for treatment as a result of a breakdown in the service following Covid-19. Furthermore, many youths engaged sexually, especially those under 18 years of age, are not coming forward to check their status because the law entails that they have to seek parental permission and they are not doing so.

He added that it is not possible to know the HIV status in this age group.

“Something has to be done about this or else we might see an explosion of HIV/Aids among our youth,” said Mr Freminot, who noted that stigma against people with HIV/Aids is still a major concern which has to be tackled.

He stated that as we have given the full attention to Covid-19, we must also do the same for HIV/Aids if we want to eradicate the disease.

Most of the youths who talked to Seychelles NATION said that they are well aware of HIV/Aids and how it is transmitted.

Haso’s programme officer, Tessy Madeleine, said that since they’ve been participating in the International Aids Candle Light Memorial, the organisation chooses to organise the procession and other activities in different communities to further bring the HIV/Aids awareness closer to them.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the march and church service.

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert