The population of Seychelles is relatively small, with only around 98,000 people reported living in the country as of 2020. However, the rates of prevalence for HIV/AIDS in Seychelles are relatively high at around 934 people, as last reported in 2020. In addition, new reported cases of AIDS appear to be rising, from 75 new cases in 2016 to 83 in 2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Seychelles is experiencing what is termed a concentrated epidemic of HIV. The term concentrated epidemic is specific to the study of HIV/AIDS. It typically discusses a situation where the overall prevalence of HIV is less than 1% of the overall population, but it is sustained through certain high-risk population groups within it.

In the case of HIV/AIDS in Seychelles, the high-risk groups for increased HIV transmission include sex workers, intravenous drug users, migrant workers, adolescents and men who have sex with men. In the past, the local government in cooperation with international organizations, have taken up initiatives towards combating the spread of HIV among the local population. The Seychelles government has termed these the National Strategic Plans (NSPs) which are emblematic of the country’s response to the disease over the last 20 years. Here is some information about the plans.

Information About the National Strategic Plans (NSPs)

1. The first National Strategic Plan was for 2005-2009, in conformity with the outline that UNAIDS set. With the establishment of the National AIDS Council in 2002, the government of Seychelles opted to move the HIV resistance efforts out of the health sector and pursue a multisectoral approach to combating the disease. International organizations, such as the WHO, UNDP and UNAIDS, also offered their financial and technical support to the plan.
2. The second NSP was for 2012-2016. This plan was built on the foundation of the 2005 plan and focused on scaling up the response to HIV/AIDS transmission. This plan aimed to help the populations most vulnerable to the disease or the source of the “concentrated epidemic.” By the end of this period, the number of reported HIV infections nearly doubled, while incidence and mortality reduced by more than half. 
3. The third NSP was for 2019-2023. This plan aims to meet the goal that UNAIDS set, which is the 90-90-90 plan. This objective for HIV/AIDS in Seychelles is to ensure that 90% of people living with HIV is aware of their disease status, that 90% of people living with HIV are undergoing treatment and that 90% of people undergoing treatment have a reduced viral load.

The Success of Addressing HIV/AIDS in Seychelles

Seychelles has almost completely eliminated extreme poverty, which contrasts with many other African countries. Per a recent report by the World Bank as of April 2025, the unemployment rate is only at 3.2%. However, multidimensional poverty remains an issue, since socioeconomic disparities exist due to factors such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. These are key factors that not only increase relative poverty rates and standards of living, but also are key drivers of HIV transmission, since they make up the populations experiencing the concentrated epidemic. The NSPs have specifically been implemented to target these vulnerable populations. A few initiatives that are part of these NSPs that have gone toward addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic include youth-friendly health services with access to post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and condoms and community-based interventions for youth experiencing drug abuse.

Looking Ahead

While Seychelles continues to face its concentrated AIDS epidemic, its strong governmental stance, international cooperation and commitment to short-term goals are strong indicators for the future of HIV prevention and care in the country. 

– Nikhil Kumar

Nikhil is based in Lexington, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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