being monitored regularly to detect contamination. In the Budget Plan 2019/2020, it was
announced that a Food Standards Agency will be established to set standards on fast food and soft
drinks and also for the certification of vegetarian and halal foods, among others.
HPV VACCINE
214. We also introduced the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, which protects girls
against the four strands of HPV most associated with cervical cancer. Some 24,396 doses were
administered to girls in 2018. Around 6,122 women were screened under the various programmes
in 2018.
CHILD HEALTH
215. Mauritius enjoys favourable child health indicators. This achievement is attributed to the
successful implementation of an integrated package of primary health care services, including
amongst others, the expanded programme of immunization, maternal and child care services,
preventive medicine and health promotion activities which are provided free to every citizen of
the country.
216. In Mauritius, Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 live births was 14.0 in 2018 compared to 14.3
in 2001. Under Five Mortality Rate per 1,000 live births was 14.3 in 2017 compared to 15.9 in
2000. In 2017, Stillbirth Rate was 9.9 per 1,000 total births compared to 13.0 in 2000.
Consequently, it is worth noting that the country has already achieved the SDG targets related to
child mortality.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE
217. The Brown Sequard Mental Health Care Centre was established under the Mental Health
Care Act to provide mental health care to all those who seek help without discrimination. There
exists a system of self-referral whereby the patient only presents himself at the hospital for
consultations. Illnesses treated cover all types of mental disorders as defined by the International
Classification of diseases (ICD 10).
218. To better protect the rights of mental patients, specialised services in the field of Mental
Health Care have been decentralized and there is now also a Psychiatric Unit at the Regional
Hospital at Flacq to cater for the eastern part of the island. In the other Regional Hospitals, Liaison
Psychiatry is being practiced. Mental Health Care is also being provided at Primary Health Care
Centres by Psychiatrists and Community Physicians.
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