0
0
Presided over by His Excellency President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the event was graced by several high-ranking officials
The National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) celebrated the graduation of 86 newly qualified healthcare professionals this morning during a formal ceremony held at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS).
Presided over by His Excellency President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the event was graced by several high-ranking officials, including the Speaker of National Assembly Mr. Roger Mancienne, Minister for Health, Mrs. Peggy Vidot; Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin; Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, Mrs. Patricia Francourt; and Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Mrs. Marie Celine Zialor
The graduates, drawn from seven disciplines,Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health Sciences, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Health Care Assistance, represent the next generation of Seychelles’ healthcare workforce.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of special awards recognising academic distinction, leadership, and clinical excellence. Mr. Jean Luc Rose, a graduate of the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care programme, was named Outstanding Graduate, earning the coveted President’s Cup, along with a laptop and a government-sponsored scholarship. Mr. Rose was commended for his academic performance, leadership, and commitment to student life.
Further accolades included the Overall Best Academic Award, presented to Ms. Solana Marie from the Diploma in Environmental Health Sciences programme, and the Ministry of Health’s Overall Best in Practice Award, received by Ms. Ramlah Heneka from the Biomedical Laboratory Science cohort.
Delivering the welcome address, NIHSS Director Mr. Ebrahim Ali described the occasion as “a significant milestone not only for our students but for the future of healthcare in our country.” He reiterated the Institute’s core values—accountability, integrity, pursuit of excellence, respect, empowerment, scientific rigour, engagement, and teamwork—as guiding principles in building a resilient and responsive health system.
“The transition from academic life to the workplace brings about real challenges but also presents great opportunities to be creative and apply innovative practices,” Mr. Ali said, urging graduates to serve with compassion and commitment.
The ceremony was punctuated by musical interludes from the NIHSS Choir, an inspiring speech from a former graduate, and a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Ramlah Heneka. The event concluded with a commemorative group photograph capturing the graduates alongside dignitaries and faculty members.
About Author
OTHER ARTICLES
Zambia : The vital role of community health assistants in public health surveillance
Lusaka — African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa—particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent’s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and—most importantly—equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women’s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women’s cancer services into primary health care systems in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. “PEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa”. Côte d’Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage—reaching over three million girls (91.4%)—with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. “This gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women’s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women’s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management”, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics.
Confirmed Case of Mpox in Senegal: Situation Update (as of August 27, 2025)