The National AIDS Council was originally launched 24th May 2002 by the then Minister of Health, Mr Patrick Pillay, Red Roof Conference Room, Ministry of Health. The main role of the NAC was to coordinate the national response to HIV and AIDS. It was established as a multisectoral and multidisciplinary committee of diverse stakeholders contributing to the national response.
The National AIDS Council became a legal entity (body corporate) through the National AIDS Council of Seychelles Act, 2013 (Act13 of 2013) enacted by the President and National Assembly in December 2013.
Aim
The aim of the National AIDS Council is to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and related matters through the long-term.
Leadership and Governance
- The President is the Patron of the Council.
- The Minister of Health may give the Board such directions of a general character relating to the policy which the Council is to observe in exercise of its functions.
- The Board is composed of persons able to contribute significantly towards the functions of the Council. It manages and formulates the general policy of the Council, and controls its operations.
Members of the Board are appointed by the President.
- The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the efficient management of the activities, funds, property and staff of the Council.
Functions and Powers
The Functions and Powers of the Council (subject to the Act) to coordinate the national response to HIV and AIDS are:
- Recommend to the Government, promote, co-ordinate, monitor & evaluate policies & strategies
- Take measures to combat, control & ameliorate effects;
- Mobilise and manage resources, whether financial or otherwise;
- Act as the coordinating mechanism & Secretariat for all national and international funding initiatives for HIV & AIDS, Hepatitis-C, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis and malaria;
- Enhance capacity of the various sectors of the community
- Encourage the provision of facilities to treat and care for persons infected and their dependents;
- Monitor & evaluate effectiveness of strategies & policies;
- Promote and co-ordinate research and ensure effective dissemination & application of the research results;
- Disseminate & encourage dissemination of information;
- Submit regular reports to the President, through the Minister;
- Allocate funds to organisations which in opinion of the Board, is eligible to receive funding, if funds are available;
- Generally, to do all things which, in the Board’s opinion, are necessary or appropriate; and
- Exercise such other functions that may be conferred on the Council by or under the Act or any other enactment.