Seychelles Roundup: Agreements with Ghana, fewer HIV cases, Ocean Festival returns

India signs a $2 million Project Implementation Agreement

India's Ministry of External Affairs has initiated a significant partnership by signing a $2 million Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance. This collaboration will facilitate the launch of solar energy projects across several nations, including Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Under the auspices of the Quad Climate Working Group, the projects aim to tackle critical energy challenges such as inconsistent electricity supply, thereby enhancing food storage, healthcare access, and irrigation systems. According to Business Standard, the focus will be on establishing cold storage facilities, solar healthcare infrastructure, and solar-powered water pumping systems, ultimately contributing to improved energy accessibility and job creation in these Indo-Pacific countries. This move underscores India's commitment to advancing renewable energy and addressing climate change issues regionally.

Agreements with Ghana

Ghana and Seychelles entered into two pivotal agreements during the official visit of Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan. These include a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering cooperation in STEM fields. With these latest agreements, the total number of MoUs signed during the visit has reached four, incorporating previously established accords in Culture and Tourism Development. Key figures involved in the signing were Mrs. Mabel Sagoe from Ghana's Ministry of Transport and Mrs. Mamle D. Andrews from the Ministry of Education, with Mr. Conrad Mederic signing on behalf of Seychelles, reports Adomonline.

Fewer HIV cases

The UNAIDS report for 2023 presents a mixed picture in the fight against HIV. While approximately 1.3 million individuals contracted HIV—a record low since the late 1980s—the figure still exceeds three times the threshold necessary to eradicate AIDS as a public health crisis by 2030. A troubling statistic highlighted is that an estimated 630,000 individuals succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses in the previous year. As reported by SNA, despite improvements in antiretroviral therapies and grassroots activism, 28 countries reported increased HIV infections, with only 15% of individuals in need receiving Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Legislative obstacles, such as Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act, continue to impede progress. A newly introduced drug, lenacapavir, has raised accessibility concerns due to prohibitive costs, despite Gilead's initiatives to reduce prices in select areas. According to UNAIDS, human rights issues must be addressed as a prerequisite for advancing the struggle against HIV.

Developing a biological risk assessment tool

Seychelles and Kenya are collaborating on a national biological risk assessment tool, endorsed by experts during a recent workshop that brought together 30 specialists from diverse sectors. This initiative is part of the European Union's Project 99, which aims to bolster preparedness for biological incidents over the coming five years by pinpointing potential risk zones. The workshop is set to address key issues, including zoonotic diseases and environmental toxins that pose threats to human health. This ongoing project, scheduled to continue until 2026, underscores a 'one health' paradigm that intertwines human, animal, and environmental health, with backing from the European Commission and UNICRI. Workshop participants will scrutinise prospective biological hazards and evaluate worst-case outbreak scenarios, SNA reports.

Ocean Festival is back

In a cultural shift towards environmental awareness, Seychelles is rejuvenating its Ocean Festival, historically known as SUBIOS, after a five-year pause. Set to take place from 28th to 30th November 2024, the festival will centre on marine sustainability, community involvement, and educational outreach, encapsulated in the theme "Safeguarding Our Oceans." Activities are poised to include exhibitions, beach clean-up initiatives, and family-friendly events aimed at raising consciousness about ocean conservation, reports SNA. The festival seeks to encourage cooperation among NGOs, government bodies, and the tourism industry. With the Save Our Seas Foundation as a leading sponsor, attendees can anticipate an array of innovative initiatives, such as Virtual Reality experiences and the premier of a documentary. Furthermore, the government intends to integrate snorkelling into school curricula, promoting ocean awareness among future generations.