AGP Executive Report

Teacher Wellbeing: During Teachers’ Week, veteran Praslin educator Nadege Medor took part in a workshop on teachers’ health, wellbeing and resilience. She is marking 40 years in education. Longevity Research: Scientists studying Jonathan, a Seychelles-native Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be 194, found genetic features linked to DNA repair and cellular energy systems that may help explain his exceptional lifespan. The findings could guide future aging research, but do not yet offer proven ways to extend human life. Aldabra Conservation: A new estimate puts the atoll’s giant tortoise population at about 180,000 and relatively stable. Researchers say the higher figure reflects improved counting, not necessarily a recent surge — and does not mean the species is safe.

Longevity Research: DNA analysis of Jonathan, a 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise native to Seychelles, found unusually youthful gene activity linked to cellular energy production. Researchers say this may offer clues to healthy ageing, but it is not yet a path to human treatments. Aldabra Conservation: A survey estimates about 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll, a remarkable recovery from fewer than 1,000 after centuries of hunting. Researchers say the population appears stable, but the species still needs protection. Flood Readiness: A local commentary warns that concrete development and neglected riverbanks can leave Seychelles communities more exposed to flooding during heavy rain. Vaccination: A measles outbreak in Bangladesh, with nearly 900 suspected deaths, is a stark reminder that falling vaccination coverage can leave children vulnerable.

Longevity Research: A study of Jonathan, the 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise born in Seychelles, found genetic traits linked to DNA repair, metabolism and cancer suppression. Researchers say his unusually youthful cellular systems could offer clues to healthy human ageing, but the findings are not a treatment. Aldabra Conservation: A new estimate puts the atoll’s giant tortoise population above 180,000. Researchers caution that the higher figure reflects improved counting of animals hidden in vegetation, not necessarily a recent surge. Vaccination Warning: A deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh, mostly affecting children, highlights how gaps in routine vaccination can leave communities vulnerable. Childhood coverage there has fallen to 87%, underscoring the importance of keeping immunisation programmes on track.

Climate and Health: Forecasts of a potentially very strong El Niño warn of disrupted rainfall worldwide, with risks to food supplies, energy demand and child welfare. Seychelles Research Link: Scientists studying Jonathan, the nearly 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise born in Seychelles, identified genetic traits tied to DNA repair, inflammation control and cancer suppression. The findings may offer clues to healthy ageing, though their relevance to people needs more research. Flood Preparedness: A local report warns that concrete development and damaged riverbanks can weaken natural protection from heavy rain, leaving Seychelles communities more exposed to flooding. Vaccination Watch: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak, with nearly 900 suspected deaths, highlights how gaps in childhood vaccination can leave communities vulnerable to fast-spreading disease.

Longevity Research: Seychelles-born giant tortoise Jonathan, estimated to be 194, has genetic traits linked to DNA repair, metabolism and cancer resistance. Researchers say his unusually stable gene activity may offer clues to healthy ageing, but it is not yet a treatment for people. Vaccination Warning: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has left nearly 900 people suspected dead, mostly children. The report highlights how gaps in routine vaccination can leave communities vulnerable to fast-spreading disease. Climate and Health: A regional outlook hosted by the Seychelles Meteorological Agency warns of heat, heavy rain and flooding risks in the coming months, with potential impacts on health, water supplies and food security.

Longevity Research: A study of Jonathan, the Seychelles-born Aldabra giant tortoise now living on St Helena, identified 287 gene variants linked to DNA repair, inflammation, insulin control and cancer suppression. Researchers hope the findings will shed light on extreme longevity, though they do not yet offer a recipe for longer human life. Flood and Water Safety: A Seychelles report warns that development and damaged riverbanks are weakening rivers’ ability to absorb heavy rain, increasing flood risks for communities. Regional Health Risks: The South-West Indian Ocean outlook urges island states to prepare for heat, heavy rain and cyclones, which can threaten health and contaminate water. Vaccination Alert: Bangladesh’s deadly measles outbreak shows how gaps in childhood vaccination can leave communities vulnerable to a highly infectious disease.

Vaccination: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has left nearly 900 people suspected dead, most of them children. Falling childhood vaccine coverage helped leave communities vulnerable—a stark reminder of why routine immunisation matters everywhere. Flood and Water Safety: A Seychelles report warns that concrete development and neglected riverbanks can weaken natural flood protection. The regional climate outlook also flags flooding, landslides and water contamination among risks this season, with potential consequences for health and food security. Prepare for several hazards, not just one.

Measles warning: Bangladesh reports nearly 900 suspected measles deaths, mostly children, after vaccination gaps and possible hesitancy left communities vulnerable—an urgent reminder for Seychelles and the region to protect routine immunisation. Regional health & climate risk: The South-West Indian Ocean climate outlook flags multiple hazards for Oct–Dec 2026 and Jan–Mar 2027, including drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and knock-on effects for health, food security, water, marine life and fisheries. Ocean protection: A call for stronger Western Indian Ocean conservation stresses that sea turtles and other marine species cross borders, so shared financing and cooperation are essential for resilient “blue economies” and storm protection. Seychelles ties & community: Seychelles congratulates African Initiative on its third anniversary, highlighting media partnerships that support sport and healthier lifestyles. Wellness trend: Indian Ocean wellness is shifting from “spa days” to landscape- and culture-led experiences, including full-moon rituals and deeper health screening.

Measles Warning: Bangladesh reports nearly 900 suspected measles deaths, mostly children, as vaccination gaps and vaccine hesitancy leave communities vulnerable to one of the world’s most contagious diseases. Climate & Health Preparedness: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook urges a multi-hazard plan for October–March, flagging drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and knock-on risks for agriculture, water safety, health, marine life and fisheries. Ocean Conservation for Livelihoods: A regional push highlights how protecting Western Indian Ocean ecosystems—like sea turtle nesting and connected habitats—needs shared financing and cooperation, since no single country can safeguard migratory journeys. Local Flood Resilience: Seychelles-focused reporting stresses that healthier rivers and protected riverbanks can reduce flood damage and water contamination as development and neglect increase flood risk. Wellness Trends in the Indian Ocean: New travel wellness ideas move beyond “spa days” toward full-immersion rituals, local healing traditions and nature-led programmes across Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Climate & Health Preparedness: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook warns October–March 2027 could bring multiple hazards—drought and heat in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter north areas, and island risks including extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and tropical cyclones—highlighting knock-on effects for agriculture, water, health, fisheries and marine ecosystems. Ocean Conservation & Resilience: A regional push for a “connected ocean” stresses that sea turtles and other marine life cross borders, so Western Indian Ocean countries need shared financing and cooperation to protect habitats that also support food security, livelihoods, trade and storm protection. Wellness Trends in the Region: A National Geographic Traveller feature says Indian Ocean wellness is shifting from “treatment menus” to landscape-led rituals—full-moon practices, ocean-tide routines, diagnostic screenings and simpler tech-off retreats—showing how Seychelles fits a broader wellness evolution. Local Health Risk Context: A Seychelles-focused piece on healthy rivers explains how degraded riverbanks and neglect increase flood and water-safety risks during downpours, linking environmental care to community protection. Seychelles in Regional News: Seychelles congratulated the African Initiative on its anniversary, with ministers highlighting community initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles.

Climate & Health Preparedness: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook warns October–March 2026/27 could bring multiple hazards—drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, plus extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and cyclone risk—highlighting knock-on effects for agriculture, water, health, fisheries and marine ecosystems. Healthy Rivers & Flood Risk: A Seychelles-focused piece looks at how once-natured river systems helped absorb downpours, but concrete development and neglected riverbanks are leaving communities more exposed to severe flooding and water problems. Wellness Trends in the Indian Ocean: A travel wellness feature says the region is moving beyond “treatment menus” toward nature-and-culture-led experiences—full-moon rituals, ocean-tide practices, diagnostic screenings and simpler habits like switching off phones. Ocean Conservation & Cooperation: Another report stresses that protecting migratory sea turtles and wider marine life needs cross-border funding and shared action, since healthy oceans underpin food security, livelihoods, tourism and storm protection. Public Health Snapshot: A WHO-based ranking places Seychelles among the highest alcohol-consuming countries (tied at 11.4 litres per person, age 15+), alongside Belarus and others.

Climate & Health Preparedness: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook Forum says October–March 2026/27 could bring multiple hazards—drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, plus extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and cyclone risk—raising knock-on risks for agriculture, food security, water and health, including marine ecosystems and fisheries. Ocean Conservation for Wellbeing: A new focus on protecting sea turtles and connected Western Indian Ocean habitats highlights why countries must cooperate and fund shared conservation, since healthy marine ecosystems support livelihoods, tourism, food security and storm protection. Alcohol Use Watch: A WHO-based ranking puts Romania, Georgia and Latvia at the top for recorded alcohol consumption, with Seychelles among countries following at about 11.4 litres per person—useful context for public health messaging. Wellness Trends: National Geographic Traveller spotlights “new ways to wellness” across the Indian Ocean—full-moon rituals, ocean-tide practices, and more immersive, nature-linked health experiences. Local Sports & Health: Kenya’s interim Starlets coach named a provisional squad for Olympic qualifiers against Seychelles, with matches set for October 8 and 12 at Nyayo Stadium.

Ocean Health & Climate Resilience: A South-West Indian Ocean climate outlook warns Seychelles and neighbours to prepare for multiple hazards this season—drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and island risks including extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and tropical cyclones—pointing to knock-on effects for agriculture, food security, health, fisheries and ecosystems. Marine Conservation: A new push for regional ocean protection highlights that sea turtles and other migratory species can’t be safeguarded by one country alone, stressing shared financing and cross-border cooperation across the Western Indian Ocean. Wellness Trends in the Indian Ocean: National Geographic Traveller spotlights a shift from “spa day” wellness to landscape-led rituals—full-moon gatherings, ocean-tide practices, traditional healing and deeper body screening—featuring Seychelles among the destinations. Alcohol & Public Health: A WHO-based ranking puts Romania, Georgia and Latvia at the top for alcohol intake, with Seychelles also listed among the higher-consumption countries. Local Health Context: Seychelles is also linked to broader regional development and health financing debates, as climate-vulnerable nations argue that disaster recovery should not push them deeper into debt.

Ocean Health & Conservation: A new focus on sea turtle journeys across the Western Indian Ocean underlines a simple message: Seychelles and neighbours can protect nesting beaches, but migratory species need shared, cross-border action and financing. Climate & Health Risks: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook warns October 2026–March 2027 could bring multiple hazards—drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and island heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and cyclone risk—raising concerns for agriculture, food security, water safety, health, fisheries and ecosystems. Alcohol & Public Health: A WHO-based ranking puts Romania, Georgia and Latvia at the top for recorded alcohol intake, with Seychelles tied at 11.4 litres per person (15+), a reminder that alcohol harm prevention remains a health priority. Wellness Travel Trends: Indian Ocean resorts are shifting wellness from “spa days” to nature-led rituals and deeper body diagnostics, including full screening-style experiences. Local Relevance: Seychelles vice president visits Russia’s training ship Perekop, with medical services and cadet training highlighted during the port call.

Regional Climate & Health Preparedness: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook Forum says October 2026–March 2027 could bring multiple hazards—drought and heat in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and island risks like extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and tropical cyclones—highlighting knock-on effects for health, food security, water and fisheries. Coral Recovery & Marine Health: A Seychelles-linked coral restoration approach using sexual reproduction under the Assisted Recovery of Coral (ARC) programme is highlighted, with early results reporting settlement and growth of around 65,000 young corals. Debt Pressure on Public Services: UN leaders warn that debt repayments and high borrowing costs are draining money from hospitals, classrooms and climate protection, with calls for grants and faster access to finance rather than more loans. Seychelles–India Cultural Links: Seychelles and India mark 50 years of diplomatic ties with ongoing cultural exchange, including shared festivals and food influences. Medical Tourism Concerns: African countries raise issues for patients travelling for medical tourism to India—unclear costs, visa problems for follow-ups, and language barriers—while noting India’s continued appeal for affordability and clinical outcomes. Sports & Community (Health Angle): Kenya’s Starlets interim coaching changes and Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors build-up for Olympic qualifiers underscore the role of training and discipline in athlete wellbeing.

Wellness in the Indian Ocean: A National Geographic Traveller feature says Seychelles and neighbours are moving beyond “spa days” toward nature-led rituals and deeper diagnostics, from full-moon sound baths to body screening and reef-linked experiences. Ocean health & coral recovery: An IPS report highlights how marine conservation needs cross-border cooperation, while a separate coral-focused exhibition notes Seychelles’ Assisted Recovery of Coral (ARC) work using sexual reproduction to grow genetically diverse corals. Climate risks for health and food: The Seychelles Meteorological Agency hosted a South-West Indian Ocean outlook warning that El Niño-linked hazards could bring drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and knock-on effects for agriculture, health, fisheries and marine ecosystems. Alcohol use data: A WHO-based ranking puts Romania, Georgia and Latvia at the top for recorded alcohol intake, with Seychelles listed among countries following at 11.4 litres per person. Medical tourism concerns: A report on African medical travellers flags worries about unclear costs, visa follow-up delays and language barriers in India, even as India remains a leading destination for lower-cost care. Digital privacy warning: The Radaris case is cited as a reminder that ignoring data subject requests can escalate into serious legal action.