VICTORIA, Seychelles — The annual report of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has highlighted significant progress in the Indian Ocean island states — Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles — in promoting sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment and the strengthening of statistical systems. In Seychelles, the results are particularly notable, despite persistent challenges. Nearly 99 percent of births in Seychelles take place in the presence of qualified personnel, reflecting a well-performing health system.
The UNFPA has worked actively in Seychelles to improve sexual and reproductive health, particularly in a context of an ageing population, with issues such as menopause, declining fertility and late pregnancies now being integrated into health policies. In partnership with WHO Seychelles and UNAIDS, the UNFPA supported the development of the country’s first integrated guidelines for screening and treatment of HIV/AIDS, STIs, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis — a major step forward. Education remains a key lever for empowerment, with adolescents and young people benefiting from comprehensive sexuality education, enabling them to make informed choices.
In 2024, 903 pupils were sensitised through 45 school sessions, while 169 fifth- and sixth-year pupils participated in educational exhibitions. Additionally, 45 school nurses received enhanced training in drug prevention and sexual health. The UNFPA also led targeted awareness actions on the fight against drug addiction, contributing to youth resilience against substance abuse. The representative of the UNFPA for Madagascar and country director for the Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, Josiane Yaguibou, affirmed that the organisation has set itself a strong vision of a world where women and young people are autonomous and realise their full potential for the development of their communities by 2030.
