This year on Friday 1st December 2023, World AIDS Day was commemorated globally under the theme: “Let communities lead!” and, as is customary every year, the National Assembly Committee on Communicable Diseases, HIV/AIDS & SRHR held a series of activities in solidarity with persons living with HIV and their families, and everyone who has lost someone to AIDS on Monday 4th December 2023.
The day commenced with a statement in the House by the Committee’s Vice Chairperson Hon. Egbert Aglae. Following this was the Official Ceremony which saw the lighting of a memorial candle by Speaker Hon. Roger Mancienne. It was noted during this ceremony that the candle used was the same one lit the year before, symbolising the continued support and solidarity for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Committee Member Hon. John Hoareau then gave his opening remarks in which he called for a reduction in stigmatisation and discrimination and advocated for empathy towards persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
A special statement was then given to the Members and Secretariat staff of the National Assembly by Mr. Reginald Hoareau, a Seychellois who has been living with HIV for many years. Mr. Hoareau emphasized that he was a living example of victory over HIV, noting that he has lived a full life and is both married and has children. He stressed the importance of adhering to treatment in order to result in an undetected viral load and surmount HIV. In his statement, Mr. Hoareau also called upon Members of the National Assembly, health care providers, and the population at large to become more compassionate so as to encourage more people to break the silence.
As part of the commemorative activities, a small exhibition was set up for viewing while Rapid HIV testing by the HIV AIDS Support Organisation (HASO) was available for all Members, staff, and visitors of the National Assembly.
