This week, Mauritius witnessed critical developments, including efforts to combat the persistent fire at the Mare Chicose landfill, the kickoff of the international testing week for sexual health, and a call for scientific projects under the Hubert Curien Partnership, furthering Mauritius-France collaboration.
Mare Chicose fire: Water bomber aircraft on standby
Authorities are preparing for the deployment of a water bomber aircraft to tackle the ongoing fire at the Mare Chicose landfill, according to Dr. Dhanandjay Kawol, senior chief executive at the Ministry of Local Government. So far, firefighters have contained flames over 6,500 square meters, though an extensive 35,600 square meters remains affected. Measures, validated by French experts, have been deemed effective. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation to mitigate any health risks.
Sexual health: PILS launches international testing week
From November 18 to 24, the NGO PILS is hosting the fifth edition of the international testing week in Mauritius. Offering free screenings for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C, the initiative includes awareness campaigns and activities across seven localities, from Rose-Hill to Grand-Gaube. Backed by Coalition Plus, the event emphasizes the importance of testing to curb the spread of STIs. With 14,000 Mauritians living with HIV and 400 new cases annually, coordinator Nicolas Ritter highlights early detection as a critical tool in addressing the epidemic.
Hubert Curien partnership: Call for 2025/26 project proposals
The Hubert Curien Partnership at Le Réduit has announced its fifth call for project submissions, aimed at bolstering scientific collaboration between Mauritius and France. Applications, open until March 14, 2025, invite proposals across a range of fields, with a focus on applied sciences, healthcare, digital innovation, and heritage preservation. Projects will undergo evaluation by expert committees from both countries, with funding decisions made jointly. Detailed information can be found on the Ministry of Education and Campus France websites.
