Indian Ocean Nations Commit to Collaborative Effort Against HIV/AIDS in Seychelles Meeting
Seychelles – The 19th Indian Ocean Colloquium, focusing on combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, concluded on Wednesday in Seychelles with a resolution to establish better regional networks and harmonized treatments.
According to Seychelles News Agency, latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2022, underlining the urgency of these collaborative efforts.
The Colloquium, which lasted three days and was centered around the theme “HIV at the heart of integrated, accessible care,” emphasized the necessity for Indian Ocean countries to collaborate closely for more effective results in the HIV/AIDS battle. Dr. Anne Gabriel, the chairperson of the organizing committee, highlighted the significance of regional cooperation, citing Seychelles’ progress against HIV/AIDS as a result of such collaboration.
Participants included medical practitioners and representatives from various associations addressing HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and addictology in the region. Dr. Gabriel noted that Seychelles had previously benefitted significantly from regional research programs, which enabled extensive studies on key populations affected by HIV/AIDS. These studies, supported by UNAIDS, provided vital information to the Seychelles about the virus’s impact.
Dr. Gabriel emphasized the strength that regional cooperation brings to national efforts, stating, “When there is regional cooperation, this makes us stronger on the national level.” The colloquium also set the stage for ongoing follow-up and information exchange, with member countries expected to report on their goals, challenges, and achievements related to HIV/AIDS management.
Madagascar has been announced as the host for the next HIV/AIDS Colloquium. One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the agreement among participants to exchange contact details, facilitating the creation of a network for continuous collaboration and information sharing.