The National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) plays a pivotal role in coordinating the multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS in Mauritius. The NAS integrates and synchronizes the activities of various stakeholders, including government ministries, departments, agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society organizations, to ensure a cohesive national response. Additionally, it is responsible for mobilizing resources from both local and international entities to fund the national HIV response.

One of the key responsibilities of the NAS is to ensure that all national HIV and AIDS plans align with the Government’s National HIV Action Plan. The Secretariat also oversees the establishment of a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system under a unified National AIDS Coordinating body. This ensures effective implementation of the response while identifying resource gaps and developing strategies to address them.

Key Statistics and HIV Epidemic in Mauritius

As of 2024, an estimated 12,455 people are living with HIV in Mauritius, with a prevalence rate of 1.4% among individuals aged 15 to 49. The HIV epidemic is characterized as mixed, with high concentrations in key populations, but also a notable spread in the general population. Since the onset of the epidemic in 1987, 9,762 individuals have been diagnosed with HIV, including 6,964 men, 2,798 women, and 119 children, all of whom contracted HIV through vertical transmission (mother-to-child transmission). The total number of reported deaths among the HIV-positive population stands at 2,272.

Key Achievements and Strategic Actions

To improve the national AIDS response and work towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, several measures have been implemented:

1. Rights-Based and Patient-Centered Approach:
   • The National HIV Action Plan 2023–2027 adopts a multisectoral, inclusive approach with the shared vision of achieving zero new HIV infections and zero deaths. This approach promotes an environment free from stigma and discrimination.
2. HIV Testing as Prevention:
   • The HIV Testing Services (HTS) policy has been developed, using a mix of testing strategies to maximize opportunities for people to know their HIV status. Between 2023 and 2024, 30 individuals have been accredited to conduct HIV Rapid Diagnostic Tests to scale up community testing.
3. HIV Self-Test and Assisted Testing:
   • The introduction of HIV Self-Tests and Directly Assisted HIV Self-Tests has been a key advancement. The HIV and AIDS Act 2006 has been amended to support these initiatives, and approximately 14,000 HIV Self-Test kits have been distributed across the island.
4. Updated HIV Management Protocol:
   • The management protocol for individuals living with HIV has been updated to introduce safer pediatric formulations and earlier infant diagnosis, which improves adherence and reduces AIDS-related mortality.
5. Integration of HIV and Non-HIV Services:
   • HIV services have begun to be integrated with non-HIV services, such as the management of HIV-Hepatitis C co-infected patients by specialists in the AIDS Unit. Additionally, the Post Graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS is being offered to doctors to improve the quality of care.
6. Combination HIV Prevention:
   • A mix of behavioural, biological, and structural interventions is being used, including the Test and Treat Strategy, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission program.
7. Condom Accessibility:
   • To enhance access to condoms, 25 additional cashless condom vending machines have been installed in strategic locations and high-risk areas.
8. Community Outreach and Surveillance:
   • Surveys and studies are being conducted, including Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance among vulnerable groups like transgender people, female sex workers, and people who inject drugs. A study on adolescent knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding drugs and HIV/AIDS is also underway.
9. Strengthened NGO Collaboration:
   • The NAS has reinforced its collaboration with NGOs like PILS, AILES, CUT, Parapli Rouz, YQA, and CAEC, ensuring the needs of vulnerable groups are met. Collaboration with Collectif Arc-En-Ciel is also being enhanced for HIV and syphilis testing within the LGBTQIA+ community.
10. Sustainability and Funding:
    • The Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism has provided additional funding to upgrade services provided by the Central Health Laboratories and support NGOs involved in HIV care. A sustainability plan for HIV programs, in collaboration with the National Social Inclusion Foundation, is in development to continue supporting NGOs in the long term.

The HRU’s vision is mainly to curb HIV epidemics among people who use drugs and break the cycle of drugs by aligning efforts along with all stakeholders concerned toward sustainable drug policies focusing on health, human rights, peace and security.  The Main functions and services provided are as follows:      

• Needle Exchange Programme;
• Methadone Substitution Therapy;
• Drug Prevention Programme;
• Mass Media Campaign;
• Rehabilitation and Detoxification Programme; and
• Psycho-social support and counselling.

The AIDS Unit, under the Ministry of Health and Wellness, provides comprehensive healthcare services for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support. These services are available free of charge and are accessible to all individuals. They are offered through multiple service points, including eight HIV service delivery points within hospital settings, three One-Stop Shops (Harm Reduction Units), and seven locations within the Prison Services at the Banian Centre.

In addition to clinical services, the AIDS Unit is actively involved in sensitizing young adolescents in schools and closely monitoring pregnant people living with HIV (PLHIV) from ante-natal care through to delivery. The promotion of male and female condoms as primary and secondary prevention methods is a key aspect of ongoing awareness campaigns.

Key activities of the AIDS Unit include:

• HIV Testing and Treatment: Testing is offered to key populations and the public in both health and non-health settings. Caravan testing is conducted on a scheduled basis across the island.
• HIV Prevention Programmes: Targeted interventions are implemented for key populations.
• HIV Preventive Measures: These include promoting safe practices and raising awareness.
• Community Awareness: Efforts to educate and inform the community about HIV and AIDS are ongoing.
• Detection and Treatment of Co-Infected Patients: Special focus is given to those co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C.

The Test and Treat Strategy, initiated in 2017, is a cornerstone of the Unit’s approach, ensuring prompt treatment for those diagnosed with HIV.

A significant partnership between the Ministry of Health and Wellness and Civil Society has resulted in the establishment of the Banian Centre, a community health centre that provides comprehensive HIV care, prevention services, and treatment targeting vulnerable populations in a community-based setting.