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Island species are particularly vulnerable to various anthropogenic impacts. Because several island endemics are rare and not accessible, obtaining genetic information and reconstructing their biogeographical and evolutionary history becomes increasingly difficult. In the present study, we investigated the endangered freshwater gastropod Paludomus ajanensis (family Paludomidae) endemic to the Seychelles (Mahé and Silhouette) in the western Indian Ocean. By analysing historical DNA of this species, we were able to place this species in the family Paludomidae and to uncover its Asian affinity. The patchy distribution plus the documented recent population decline suggests this species should be considered 'Critically Endangered'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine nutrients underpin productivity and functioning of oceanic island ecosystems. On islands where they nest, seabirds represent a primary source of marine nutrients. In tropical regions, some of the largest seabird populations nest on atolls, yet there is limited information available on seabird contributions to atoll ecosystem nutrient dynamics. To investigate the spatial and seasonal dynamics of seabird contributions, we assessed seabird colonies of different taxa, including red‐footed boobies and terns, nesting on separate islands of Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles. We assessed nutrient concentrations of guano, soil, coastal plants, and nearby seagrass in seabird colonies and at a control island with no seabirds, during the wet and dry seasons. Sooty terns contributed the highest quantities of nutrients, estimated at 71.2 N tonne/year and 52.2 P tonne/year. Seabird‐derived nutrient transfer occurred year‐round from seabird colonies to soil, coastal plants and seagrass. Soil macro‐ and inorganic nutrients were higher in the high‐density tern colony and during the dry season, coinciding with the breeding period of sooty terns. Both red‐footed booby and tern colonies maintained high nitrogen levels in coastal plants year‐round, while phosphorus levels did not differ between islands or seasons. Seabird‐derived nitrogen reversed nitrogen limitation of seagrass during the dry season. We provide the first insights into seabird nutrient contributions to atoll ecosystems in Seychelles, with recommendations for seabird conservation to boost and support atoll and island ecosystem resilience. Our results from a relatively undisturbed atoll serve as a baseline with which more impacted atolls and future changes can be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: When COVID-19 hit the world in 2019, an enhanced focus on diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 was essential for a successful pandemic response. Testing laboratories stretched their capabilities for the new coronavirus by adopting different test methods. The necessity of having external quality assurance (EQA) mechanisms was even more critical due to this rapid expansion. However, there was a lack of experience in providing the necessary SARS-CoV-2 EQA materials, especially in locations with constrained resources. Objective: We aimed to create a PT (Proficiency testing) programme based on the Dried Tube Specimens (DTS) method that would be a practical option for molecular based SARS-CoV-2 EQA in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Methods: Based on previous ISO/IEC 17043:2010 accreditation experiences and with assistance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Supranational Reference Laboratory of Uganda (adapted the DTS sample preparation method and completed a pilot EQA program between 2020 and 2021. Stability and panel validation testing was conducted on the designed materials before shipping to pilot participants in six African countries. Participants received a panel containing five SARS-CoV-2 DTS samples, transported at ambient conditions. Results submitted by participants were compared to validation results. Participants were graded as satisfactory (≥ 80%) or unsatisfactory (< 80%) and performance reports disseminated. Results: Our SARS-CoV-2 stability experiments showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was stable (-15 to -25 °C, 4 to 8 °C, (18 to 28 °C) room temperature and 35 to 38 °C) as well as DTS panels (4 to 8 °C, 18 to 28 °C, 35 to 38 °C and 45 °C) for a period of 4 weeks. The SARS-CoV-2 DTS panels were successfully piloted in 35 test sites from Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Seychelles. The pilot results of the participants showed good accuracy, with an average of 86% (30/35) concordance with the original SARS CoV-2 expectations. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 DTS PT panel is reliable, stable at ambient temperature, simple to prepare and requires minimal resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child protection’s complexity requires localized understanding within social work. This paper focuses on the child protection system in the Republic of Seychelles and evaluates social workers’ preparedness within this context. Through a historical analysis of social work in Seychelles and an exploration of the current child protection system with an emphasis on the educational readiness of social workers for child protection work, this study investigates the unique challenges/opportunities in this field. This study uses an exploratory case study method to analyze the educational preparedness of social workers in child protection work and identify key strategies for improving practice outcomes in Seychelles. Findings show that the education of social workers, especially at the bachelor’s degree level, is more tuned to generic training in the social work profession than specializations in specific fields of practice like child protection. Recommendations for enhancing social work practice in Seychelles and other similar contexts are given, highlighting the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Seychelles blue bond is an innovative finance mechanism that has played a pivotal role in shaping the global landscape of blue bonds. Seychelles leadership in the blue economy sets a significant precedent. However, this precedent has also raised concerns among various stakeholders. This study evaluates of Seychelles' sovereign blue bond, which was co-developed by the government of Seychelles and the World Bank. Three themes are explored, how the blue bond relates to other actors and donors in the blue economy space of Seychelles; how the blue bond contributes to advancing the national agenda and blue economy of Seychelles; and the key strengths, enablers and weaknesses of the blue bond. A series of considerations for future blue financing and blue bond mechanisms are presented, based on the findings of this study, to ensure that financing extends beyond blue washing and contributes meaningfully to the holistic transition to a sustainable blue economy. Our findings imply significant considerations for stakeholders in sustainable finance, suggesting ways to enhance the efficacy of blue bonds and emphasising the need for further research on their long-term impact and integration with other financial instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ship tracking and mapping capabilities that geospatial technology provides create an opportunity to observe fishing vessels as they move through established maritime boundaries. This paper connects data availability to ground-truthing research and explores the limits of vessel movement mapping in representing worker abuse at sea through three related themes. First, a conceptual background links the advancements in maritime remote sensing to critical GIS scholarship and provides a background on worker abuse aboard Taiwanese fishing vessels. Second, the paper examines the potential of machine learning algorithms to represent worker abuse at sea, arguing that more extensive ground-truthing research with workers could help address variations in the data and limited data sets. Third, I use remote sensing data to identify and unpack Taiwanese fishing across the three EEZs with the most concentrated Taiwanese fishing activity: starting with Taiwan, followed by the Falkland Islands, and Seychelles. I argue that fishing activity and the digital representation of vessel movements are governed by terrestrial geopolitics and subject to manipulation by ship captains. Finally, the conclusion offers recommendations for how future research can capitalize on the capabilities of AIS, particularly with respect to addressing problems of working conditions and abuse at sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Successful and inclusive policies that embrace oral health as part of the health agenda have the potential to alleviate the burden of oral diseases and to promote dental public health. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health in health and public policy and regulations in the Seychelles. The barriers and opportunities for inclusion / non-inclusion as well as the impact thereof were explored. Methodology A qualitative approach was adopted using document analysis and interviews as data collection strategies to allow for a complete analysis of the research problem. Using a purposive sampling approach, individual face to face interviews were conducted with patients, dental staff and representatives of the upper management. Policy and related oral health statistical documents were reviewed to ascertain how oral health was located and implemented from a national to a district level. Thematic analysis and content analysis were used to analyse and interpret the qualitative data. Results The study provided insight on how oral health is contextualised in the Seychelles and how public policy and strategic documents influences the oral health outcomes. There is fragmentation in how the health and oral health agendas are managed and it is coupled with a severe lack of involvement and commitment to address the latter. Conclusion Oral health needs to be integrated in all relevant policies and public health programmes as part of the broader national NCDs in Seychelles in order reduce the incidence of oral diseases in the population.

Section 30 of the Seychelles Prisons Act provides that the sentences of all prisoners, except those sentenced to life imprisonment or convicted of drug-related offenses of an aggravated nature, can be remitted. Section 31 of the Prisons Act empowers the Superintendent of Prisons to grant a prisoner a license to be at large. Before 2021, Seychelles law was silent on the issue of whether a person sentenced to life imprisonment had to spend the rest of his/her life in prison. As a result, offenders sentenced to life imprisonment were released after serving between 15 and 20 years. Dissatisfied with this approach, the Court of Appeal held that life imprisonment should mean imprisonment for the remainder of the offender’s life. In 2021, the Criminal Procedure Code was amended to define life imprisonment as imprisonment for the remainder of the offender’s natural life. Article 60 of the Constitution empowers the President to commute any sentence. This implies that in theory, the President could invoke Article 60 to release offenders sentenced to life imprisonment. In this article, the author relies on, amongst other sources, jurisprudence from some African countries, the European Court of Human Rights, and international human rights bodies to argue that the sentence of life imprisonment as defined in Seychelles law is unconstitutional for violating the prisoner’s rights to human dignity and not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment. The author also relies on the drafting history of Article 10(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to argue, inter alia, that life imprisonment without the possibility of release is contrary to Seychelles’ international human rights obligations.

Background: Successful and inclusive policies that embrace oral health as part of the health agenda have the potential to alleviate the burden of oral diseases and to promote dental public health. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health in health and public policy and regulations in the Seychelles. The barriers and opportunities for inclusion / non-inclusion as well as the impact thereof were explored. Methodology: A qualitative approach was adopted using document analysis and interviews as data collection strategies to allow for a complete analysis of the research problem. Using a purposive sampling approach, individual face to face interviews were conducted with patients, dental staff and representatives of the upper management. Policy and related oral health statistical documents were reviewed to ascertain how oral health was located and implemented from a national to a district level. Thematic analysis and content analysis were used to analyse and interpret the qualitative data. Results: The study provided insight on how oral health is contextualised in the Seychelles and how public policy and strategic documents influences the oral health outcomes. There is fragmentation in how the health and oral health agendas are managed and it is coupled with a severe lack of involvement and commitment to address the latter. Conclusion: Oral health needs to be integrated in all relevant policies and public health programmes as part of the broader national NCDs in Seychelles in order reduce the incidence of oral diseases in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Seychelles COVID-19 vaccination campaign was initiated using two different vaccines during the first wave of the pandemic in 2021. This observational study estimated vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes (hospitalisation and/or death) from individuals infected with COVID-19 in the Seychelles adult population during Beta and Delta variant transmission. Methods: This nationwide retrospective cohort study included all Seychellois residents aged ≥ 18 years who tested positive by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test for COVID-19 between January 25, 2021, and June 30, 2021. We measured the relative risk (RR) of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalisation and/or death among individuals partially or fully vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (SII Covishield) or BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccines compared to unvaccinated individuals using modified Poisson regression. Controlling for age, gender and calendar month, vaccine effectiveness was estimated as 1-RR ≥14 days after the first dose and ≥7 days after the second dose for each available vaccine versus an unvaccinated control group. Results: A total of 12,326 COVID-19 infections were reported in adult Seychellois residents between January 25, 2021, and June 30, 2021. Of these, 1,287 individuals received one dose of either BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) or ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 (SII Covishield) vaccine, and 5,225 individuals received two doses. Estimated adjusted effectiveness of two doses of either Sinopharm or SII Covishield was high, at 70% (95% CI 58%–78%) and 71% (95% CI 62%–78%) respectively. Sinopharm maintained high levels of protection against severe outcomes in partially vaccinated individuals at 61% (95% CI 36%–76%), while the effectiveness of one dose of SII Covishield was low at 29% (95% CI 1%–49%). Conclusions: This observational study demonstrated high levels of protection of two doses of two vaccine types against severe outcomes of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic driven by Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variant predominance. One dose of ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 (Covishield SII) was found to be inadequate in protecting the general adult population against hospitalisation and/or death from COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol consumption has become very common among adolescents in recent years and its prevalence varies in different countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and related factors in adolescents aged 11 to 16 years. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 288385 adolescents (girls, 53.9% of total) aged 11 to 16 years. In the present study, the GSHS data (2003–2018) available to public on the websites of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO was used. To investigate the factors affecting alcohol consumption, univariate and multivariate logistics models with 95% confidence limits were used. Results: The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption in adolescents was 25.2%, which was 28.3% and 22.4% in boys and girls, respectively. Among the surveyed countries, the highest prevalence was in Seychelles (57.9%) and the lowest in Tajikistan (0.7). Multivariate analysis showed that the Age for 16 and more than 16 years old (OR = 3.08,95%CI: 2.54–3.74), truancy for more than 10 days (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.08–1.43), loneliness at sometimes of the times (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.07), insomnia at most of the times (OR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.70–2.01), daily activity (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.00–1.07), bullied for 1–9 Days in a month (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.09–1.40), cigarette (OR = 4.01, 95%CI: 3.86–4.17), used marijuana for more than 10 days in a month (OR = 5.58, 95%CI: 4.59–7.78), had sex (OR = 2.76, 95%CI: 2.68–2.84), and suicide plan (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.42–1.54) were important factors affecting drinking alcohol. (Table 4). In this study, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 42.79%, 93.96%, 70.80%, and 82.75. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, the prevalence of alcohol consumption among teenagers was high. Therefore, it is suggested that demographic, family, and psychological factors should be taken into consideration in health programs for the prevention and treatment of alcohol consumption in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative breeding occurs when helpers provide alloparental care to the offspring of a breeding pair. One hypothesis of why helping occurs is that helpers gain valuable skills that may increase their own future reproductive success. However, research typically focuses on the effect of helping on short-term measures of reproductive success. Fewer studies have considered how helping affects long-term fitness measures. Here, we analyze how helping experience affects key breeding and fitness-related parameters in the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis). Importantly, we control for females that have cobred (reproduced as a subordinate by laying an egg within a territory in which they are not a dominant breeder), as they already have experience with direct reproduction. Helping experience had no significant association with any of the metrics considered, except that helpers had an older age at first dominance. Accounting for helping experience, females that had cobred produced more adult offspring (≥1 year) after acquiring dominance and had a higher lifetime reproductive success (LRS) than females that had never cobred. Our results suggest that, in the Seychelles warbler, helping experience alone does not increase the fitness of helpers in any of the metrics considered, and highlights the importance of separating the effects of helping from cobreeding. Our findings also emphasize the importance of analyzing the effect of helping at various life-history stages, as higher short-term fitness may not translate to an overall increase in LRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive mammalian predators have devastating effects on seabird nesting colonies. A census was conducted on breeding Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Ardenna pacifica in 2016 and 2021 on D'Arros Island, Seychelles, which has been rat-free since 2003. Results were compared with an earlier population estimate to assess population growth following the rat eradication. Compared to counts in 2009, we estimated a 10-fold increase in breeding population size, with 2768 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2424-3112) and 2406 (95% CI 2143-2667) breeding pairs in 2016 and 2021, respectively. While the estimated increase is partly attributable to differences in the timing of the conducted census between the two studies, we also observed an increase in the areal extent of the population, from 3.00 to 3.85 ha (0.0300-0.0385 km2), and an increase in nesting density. Cumulatively, this indicates a true population increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Constitution of Seychelles requires courts, when interpreting the Charter of Human Rights, to take judicial notice of human rights treaties. However, a similar obligation is not imposed on courts when interpreting legislation. Before the case of The Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles v Laura Valabhji (18 December 2023), the Court of Appeal had never held that courts are obliged to interpret statutes to conform to Seychelles' international obligations. The Court rejected a literal approach to statutory interpretation and favoured a purposive approach to justify its reliance on an international treaty when interpreting the Anti-Corruption Act. In this article, the author argues that the Court's decision in Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles v Laura Valabhji has three challenges: it did not explain the meaning of international obligations; its reliance on Indian and Sri-Lankan cases as a source of common law for Seychelles ignores, not only the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, but also the distinction between foreign cases as a source of common law and foreign cases from common law countries as persuasive authorities; and finally, its failure to define 'control' has the effect of expanding the powers of the Anti-Corruption Commission beyond what was envisaged by the legislature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue carbon has been proposed as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation; however, a limited number of published works and data and knowledge gaps hinder the development of small island developing states' (SIDS) national blue carbon resources globally. This paper reviews the blue carbon ecosystems of Seychelles as a case study in the context of SIDS, comparing estimations by the Blue Carbon Lab and recent blue carbon (mangrove and seagrass) evaluations submitted to the Seychelles national government. Mangroves (2195 ha, 80% in Aldabra Atoll) and seagrasses (142,065 ha) dominate in Seychelles, with coral reefs having the potential for carbon sequestration (169,000 ha). Seychelles is on track to protecting its blue carbon, but these systems are threatened by rising sea levels, coastal squeeze, erosion, severe storms, and human activities. The importance of carbon inventories, accounting institutions, and continuous monitoring of blue carbon systems is discussed. Blue accounting is necessary for accurate accounting of carbon sequestration and carbon storage, generating carbon credits, and representing impactful reductions in greenhouse gases for NDCs. Challenges and opportunities include policy legislation regarding ownership rights, accreditation and certification for carbon credits, sustainable financing mechanisms like natural asset companies and blue tokens, local engagement for long-term success, and carbon market dynamics following COP27. The restoration and regulation of blue carbon resources for optimal ecosystem services delivery, carbon inventories, and blue carbon policy are recommended development priorities. Blue carbon ecosystems have the potential to contribute to NDCs of SIDS while simultaneously offering sustainable development pathways for local communities through the multiple ecosystem services they provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, measles remains a major cause of disease and death; the highest incidence is in the WHO African Region (AFR). In 2011, the 46 Member States in the AFR established the goal of regional elimination of measles by 2020; this report describes progress during 2017-2021. Regional coverage with a first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) decreased from 70% in 2017 to 68% in 2021, and the number of countries with [greater than or equal to] 95% coverage decreased from 6 (13%) to 2 (4%). The number of countries that provided a second MCV dose increased from 27 (57%) to 38 (81%), and coverage with a second-dose increased from 25% to 41%. Approximately 341 million people were vaccinated during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), and an estimated 4.5 million deaths were averted by vaccination. The number of countries that met measles surveillance performance indicators decreased, however, from 26 (62%) to 9 (22%). Measles incidence increased from 69.2 per 1 million population in 2017 to 81.9 in 2021. The number of estimated annual measles cases and deaths increased by 22% and 8%, respectively. By December 2021, no country had received verification of measles elimination. To achieve a renewed regional goal of measles elimination in at least 80% of countries by 2030, intensified work is necessary to recover and surpass levels of surveillance performance and coverage with 2 MCV doses that were achieved before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. La rougeole demeure une cause majeure de maladie et de deces dans le monde entier, et la Region ou l'incidence est la plus elevee est la Region africaine de l'OMS. En 2011, les 46 Etats Membres de la Region africaine s'etaient fixe l'objectif d'eliminer la rougeole a l'horizon 2020. Le present rapport decrit les progres realises sur la periode 2017-2021. La couverture regionale par la premiere dose de vaccin a valence rougeole (MCV) a baisse, passant de 70% en 2017 a 68% en 2021, de meme que le nombre de pays assurant une couverture [greater than or equal to] 95% par la premiere dose, qui est passe 6 (13%) a 2 (4%). Le nombre de pays qui ont administre la deuxieme dose de MCV et la couverture par la deuxieme dose ont augmente, passant de 27 (57%) a 38 (81%) et de 25% a 41%, respectivement. Environ 341 millions de personnes ont ete vaccinees au cours des activites de vaccination supplementaire (AVS) et on estime que 4,5 millions de deces ont ete evites grace a la vaccination. Le nombre de pays qui ont satisfait aux indicateurs de performance de la surveillance de la rougeole a toutefois chute, passant de 26 (62%) a 9 (22%), tandis que l'incidence de la rougeole a augmente, passant de 69,2 cas par million d'habitants en 2017 a 81,9 en 2021; le nombre annuel estime de cas de rougeole et de deces associes a progresse de 22% et de 8%, respectivement. En decembre 2021, aucun pays n'avait obtenu la verification de l'elimination de la rougeole. Pour atteindre l'objectif regional renouvele consistant a eliminer la rougeole dans au moins 80% des pays de la Region d'ici a 2030, il est necessaire de redoubler d'efforts pour retrouver et depasser les niveaux de performance de la surveillance et de couverture par 2 doses de MCV qui avaient ete atteints avant la pandemie de maladie a coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)., Introduction Measles remains a major cause of disease and death worldwide, and the highest numbers of cases and deaths occur in AFR. (1) In 2011, the 46 Member States (2) [...]