HIV/AIDS Support Organisation of Seychelles (HASO)

The HIV/AIDS Support Organisation (HASO) in Seychelles plays a key role in the national response to viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C, through advocacy, harm reduction, education, and community outreach. While HASO’s core mission centres on HIV, its work increasingly addresses the overlapping challenges of hepatitis, especially among people who inject drugs and other vulnerable populations.

Key Areas of Work:

1. Awareness and Sensitisation
   HASO conducts awareness and sensitisation activities both among the general public and key populations, aiming to increase knowledge, reduce stigma, and encourage testing and treatment uptake for hepatitis.
2. Community-Based Testing and Outreach
   The organisation delivers HIV and hepatitis C testing through door-to-door campaigns and targeted outreach at key hotspots. These efforts bring services directly to those most at risk and often underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
3. Referral and Continuum of Care
   HASO facilitates referrals to appropriate health agencies for clients who require further treatment and medical care for hepatitis. This ensures that those who test positive are not lost in the system and are supported through the next steps of their health journey.
4. Treatment Literacy and Adherence Support
   Through tailored treatment literacy sessions, HASO educates clients about hepatitis, its treatment options, and the importance of adherence. This empowers individuals to remain engaged in care and successfully complete their treatment.
5. Advocacy and Rights-Based Support
   The organisation advocates on behalf of clients who are eligible for treatment, helping to navigate barriers such as access, eligibility criteria, or bureaucratic delays. HASO also campaigns for broader systemic changes to ensure inclusive, equitable access to hepatitis services.
6. Harm Reduction and High-Risk Populations
   HASO co-founded the Drug Utilisation Response Network Seychelles (DURNS), a peer-led harm reduction initiative targeting people who inject drugs. This work includes education on safe injection practices and reducing hepatitis transmission within this high-risk group.
7. Prison Outreach and Institutional Collaboration
   In partnership with the Seychelles Prison Service, HASO provides awareness and support services related to hepatitis and HIV among incarcerated populations, who face elevated risks due to limited access to care and increased exposure to risk factors.