Economic Transformation Strategy
CHAPTER 2 / BROAD STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT
A recent study5 commissioned by the Office of the Secretary of State for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilita-
tion revealed an estimate of approximately 4,800 heroin users in Seychelles with a prevalence of HIV at 8.0 percent and a
prevalence of Hepatitis C at 35.6 percent among this group. The figures below display a substantial heroin dependence
issue in Seychelles and this is a serious public health matter.
Country
Seychelles
Source/Type of
study
IBBS¹, 2017
Age range
Population size
estimate
Proportion of
population
15 yrs. +
15 yrs. +
4,800 heroin users
2,560 PWID²
5.6%
3.3%
The level of heroin dependence in the population is having and certainly will continue to have a major impact not only on
public health including its expenditures and management, but also on the national development of the country, through
its impact on labour, employment, education and training and the ability of the population affected to participate fully in
the socioeconomic development of the country. The Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (AP-
DAR) is working towards the stabilisation of patients physically, psychosocially and spiritually, as well as providing skills
acquisition opportunities to prepare patients for reintegration into the work force and the community.
On the cultural scene, Seychellois culture in its various forms is an integral part of daily life. The three official national
languages (Creole, English and French), food, built heritage, music, dance and visual arts come together to form the
Seychellois identity. A Culture Policy adopted in 2004, sets forth 11 aims for the cultural development and management
of Seychelles. These include: (i) to protect, safeguard, and develop the moral, ethical, and spiritual values of Seychellois
culture and dignity, including the protection of intellectual property, and the cultural, as well as the natural heritage of
Seychelles and (ii) to preserve our traditional culture and values alongside contemporary lifestyles and developments, in
order to ensure the preservation and protection of our small island culture against all adverse cultural industries, national
and international³.
The country has achieved success in inculcating the unity of a diverse and multiracial society, of which members are
descended from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The phrase "Seselwa, en sel desten"9 was adopted as the national theme for
the year 2017. This alludes to the acknowledgment of the oneness of the Seychellois nation, the recognition of a shared
sense of belonging and concern for each other, and the determination to forge a better future for all through national
unity.
Sports at national level has continued to evolve over the years with traditional sports such as football, volleyball and
swimming remaining prominent. More recently, Seychelles has also seen the emergence of beach football and other
emerging types of sport. The sports sector has had some notable success in recent years. Major achievements of this
sector in 2017 and 2018 include:
Seychelles won three gold, three silver and five bronze medals at the "Commission de la Jeunesse et des
Sports de l'Océan Indien" (CJSOI) games which were held in Djibouti.
In addition, the national volleyball team won gold at the Indian Ocean Club Championship (IOCC) for men and
silver for women.
Seychelles won two gold medals at the 2017 Regional Sailing Championship and one gold at the "Mauritius
Defi❞ 40km crossing in windsurfing.
1 Integrated Behavioral and Biological Surveillance Survey 2017
2 People who inject drugs
5 Seychelles Biological and Behavioral Surveillance of heroin users 2017: Round one
6 Integrated Behavioral and Biological Surveillance Survey 2017
7 People who inject drugs
8THE CULTURAL POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
ISBN: 99931-59-02-5
O Ministry of Local Government, Sports and Culture, 2004
9 "Seychellois one destiny"
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