President Wavel Ramkalawan has sent a message of condolence following the passing of Dr. Kenneth Henriette.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to family and friends, following the loss of one of Seychelles’ prominent doctors, Dr. Kenneth Henriette. 

During his professional career as a doctor, he has made immense contributions to the Seychelles health sector. During his long years of service with the Ministry of Health, be it in Emergency Care, General Medicine or as a Health Administrator, Dr. Henriette discharged his responsibility with professionalism and utmost care. His service to the Seychelles community will forever be the true legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Road traffic death rates in the past decade have increased significantly in the African region, with almost 250 000 lives lost on the continent’s roads in 2021 alone. Conversely, global rates fell by 5% during the same period, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report shows.

Between 2010 and 2021, the region recorded a 17% increase in road-related fatalities, according to the WHO Status report on road safety 2023 for the African region – the latest update. The region accounts for nearly one-fifth of all road deaths globally, despite being home to only 15% of the world’s population, and 3% of its vehicles.

The report attributes the rise to multiple factors, including inadequate road safety laws and standards. No country in the region currently has laws that meet the best practice standards for the five key road safety behavioural risk factors: speeding, drink driving, non-use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and child restraints. 

“The findings of this report point to a serious public health concern for African countries, with hundreds of thousands of lives being lost unnecessarily. As WHO, we’re committed to working hand in hand with countries to tackle this preventable threat and continue to fully support all efforts to make our roads safer for motorists and pedestrians alike,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

According to the report, males aged between 15 and 64 years are the main victims of road traffic crashes. Vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians are worst affected, with road-related deaths of motorcyclists doubling in the past 10 years.

Few countries have made progress to establish transport systems that cater to alternate modes of transport, such as bicycles, motorcycles or pedestrians, as well as efficient public transport. These so-called multimodal transport systems have been determined to be more equitable and environmentally-friendly, and safer for road users.

Currently, Africa is one of the fastest growing markets for used vehicles. Since the 2013 Status report, total vehicle registration has almost doubled, while two- and three-wheel vehicle registration has tripled. Only 13 countries have national strategies to promote walking and cycling.

Although there has been progress to introduce laws governing safety equipment in vehicles, pedestrian protection remains largely unaddressed. Additionally, road infrastructure safety ratings are notably low, with only a small percentage meeting acceptable standards for various road users, the report found.

WHO is working with countries to strengthen the key road safety pillars, through advocacy, technical support, awareness-raising and training. This improved the capacity of countries, like Zambia, to collect and report road traffic deaths data.

Currently, most road traffic data systems in Africa capture only road-related deaths, excluding information about injuries and their severity, including medium- and long-term consequences such as disability. Post-crash care services in the region are also inadequate or unavailable in most countries; fewer than one-third have services that meet recommended levels of access to pre-hospital care, emergency care, and treatment and rehabilitation services. 

To achieve the United Nations General Assembly target of halving the global number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2030, WHO recommends concerted efforts to implement a range of interventions to strengthen national road safety strategies in Africa. These include policies that promote sustainable transportation systems, improved legislative road safety frameworks, investment in data management systems, improved post-crash response, and research tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

President Wavel Ramkalawan chaired a meeting yesterday morning with senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Healthcare Agency at the Red Roof, Victoria Hospital. He was joined by Minister for Health Peggy Vidot, Healthcare Agency Board Chair Cyril Bonnelame, and Health Care Agency CEO Dr. Danny Louange.

The discussions focused on identifying key issues and immediate actions that can be addressed immediately. The meeting provided an opportunity for representatives from various sections to highlight challenges and pinpoint areas where health services face delays and need additional support or intervention.

Technicians and managers raised several issues, including the lack of manpower, lengthy procurement procedures, the need for specialist training for health professionals, the availability of equipment and spare parts, internal coordination within the Ministry and Agency, and the renovation and relocation of certain departments.

The President expressed his appreciation to all health professionals and Ministry staff, acknowledging their efforts despite the numerous challenges they face. “I appreciate the efforts all our health workers are making. There are many challenges, but I admire your courage and determination in serving the people of the Seychelles to the best of your abilities. Criticism can sometimes affect your morale, but it can also allow us time to take stock of where improvements can be made and how we can better work in a coordinated manner to improve our health system. We have over the years made numerous achievements, and we must not let challenges derail us as we continue to focus on critical areas needing attention and corrective actions,” said President Ramkalawan. 

Following the meeting, various decisions and timelines for actions were established. A follow-up visit is planned to observe firsthand some of the main challenges and issues raised.

Also present at the meeting were Director Hospital Services, Dr. Jadhav Chandrasheka, the Director General Facilities, Mr. Facade Ar-Shad Habibi, Principal Medical Officer Community Health/Ag Director Community Health Services, Dr. Josapha Jouanneau, Director Procurement, Mr. Elvis Simeon, Principal Nursing Officer Hospital Services, Ms. Elsia Sinon, Support Service Manager, Mrs. Dothy Raforme, and the Chief Operation-SIA, Mr. Keith Arnephy. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

We express deep concern over the report of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), published on 27th June 2024, which concluded: “fourteen months into the conflict, Sudan is facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded by the IPC in the country”.

The disturbing results in the report reveal an unprecedented level of food insecurity in Sudan, leaving 25.6 million people in high levels of acute food insecurity and 14 areas at risk of famine.

We are particularly concerned about the IPC reporting a “stark and rapid deterioration” in food security and the dire impact of the deteriorating situation on the safety and well-being of the civilians, including many thousands of children, suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

We also express deep concern over the repercussions of prolongation of the conflict on Sudan and on the neighboring countries.

We particularly recognize that the deepening food insecurity in Sudan presents a significant humanitarian challenge with potential repercussions for displacement, refugees, and migration dynamics. This underscores the importance of a coordinated international response to the crisis.

Alarmed by the worsening humanitarian crisis and the tragic consequences of the conflict on the Sudanese people, we recall the UNSC request for the parties to the conflict to allow the rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, including by removing bureaucratic and other impediments.

We stress that parties must facilitate the urgent provision of the required visas and travel authorizations for humanitarian personnel and essential supplies, in line with resolution 2736 adopted on 13 June 2024.

We call on the warring parties in Sudan to immediately halt hostilities, respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions.

We reiterate the call on all foreign actors to cease providing armed support or material to the warring parties to refrain from any action that would heighten tensions and fuel the conflict.

We urge the international community to deliver an immediate and coordinated international response to address the urgent needs of those affected in Sudan.

The international community must scale up its humanitarian aid, and support the IPC recommendations to increase nutrition interventions, restore productive systems and improve data collection.

We also stress the urgent necessity to address the crisis and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and the impending risk of famine in Sudan including working towards achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.