* The launch also provided an opportunity for SEYPwUD to present its vision and strategic priorities, while testimonies from members brought lived experiences to the forefront of the event

VICTORIA, Seychelles - Giving people with lived experience of drug use a stronger voice in addressing one of Seychelles' most pressing social challenges took centre stage as President Dr Patrick Herminie joined government officials, health professionals and members of the community for the official launch of the Seychelles Association of People Who Used Drugs (SEYPwUD) at the Roche Caiman District Administration Office.

The launch marks the establishment of a community-led organisation aimed at representing, supporting and empowering people who use or have previously used drugs, while ensuring that their lived experiences form part of the national conversation on drug-related issues.

Present at the launch were the Minister for Health, Dr Marvin Fanny, Minister for Education David Pierre, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR), Yvana Thérèsine, Secretary of State for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Benjamin Vel, other government officials, representatives of relevant organisations and members of the community.

Addressing those present, President Herminie welcomed the establishment of SEYPwUD and reflected on the importance of giving people with lived experience an opportunity to play an active role in addressing the drug situation in Seychelles.

The President highlighted that tackling drug-related challenges requires collective action and an approach that recognises the experiences of those who have faced drug use first-hand. He emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives, reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their families and communities.

He further underscored the need to move beyond stigma and discrimination, noting the importance of support, rehabilitation and inclusion in helping individuals move forward. The establishment of SEYPwUD, he noted, provides an avenue through which people with lived experience can have their voices heard and become active participants in finding solutions.

Secretary of State for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Benjamin Vel also addressed the gathering, welcoming the creation of the association and highlighting the value of involving people with lived experience in national efforts to prevent drug abuse and strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration.

SEYPwUD is chaired by Mr Fady Banane, with Mr Christoph Bristol, a Physical Education teacher by profession, serving as Vice Chairperson. The association currently has 17 members, bringing together people with lived experience around a common purpose of peer support, advocacy and positive change.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Banane described the association as an opportunity for people with lived experience to have a voice and to support others facing similar challenges. He highlighted the importance of using their own journeys and experiences to inspire hope, challenge stigma and show that recovery and reintegration are possible.

SEYPwUD is founded on the principle that people who have experienced drug use should not simply be spoken about, but should have the opportunity to speak for themselves and contribute to decisions, policies and programmes that directly affect them.

The association seeks to provide a safe and inclusive platform where members can support one another, engage with stakeholders and contribute towards addressing the health and social challenges associated with drug use.

Its vision is for a Seychelles where people with lived experience of drug use are respected, empowered, healthy and able to actively contribute to society without stigma or discrimination.

Among its objectives are promoting the health and welfare of people who use or have used drugs, reducing stigma and discrimination, strengthening peer-led services and support networks, facilitating access to healthcare, rehabilitation and social services, and empowering members through leadership development and community participation.

SEYPwUD also intends to build partnerships with government, civil society, healthcare providers and international organisations to strengthen the collective response to drug-related challenges.

Following its official launch, the association will focus on peer support and outreach programmes, advocacy and awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, community engagement initiatives, research and evidence gathering, as well as leadership development for members and peer educators.

The launch also provided an opportunity for SEYPwUD to present its vision and strategic priorities, while testimonies from members brought lived experiences to the forefront of the event.

At the heart of SEYPwUD is a simple but significant shift: from speaking about people affected by drug use to giving them the space to speak, participate and become part of the solutions towards healthier individuals, stronger families and stronger communities across Seychelles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.