Minister Bachoo reaffirms commitment to cater for the needs of children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

A new Autism Day Care Centre to provide specialised care, diagnosis, and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), will be set in Flacq, announced the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, this morning.

The Minister was speaking at an official ceremony organised by the Ministry to mark the World Autism Awareness Day 2026, at the Brown Sequard Mental Health Care Centre in Beau Bassin. The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram, was also in attendance.

As part of an awareness campaign on ASD, a poster and flyers aimed at raising public awareness on the condition, in particular highlighting the early signs and warning symptoms, were launched on the occasion.

In his address, the Minister reflected on the theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2026, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”, and highlighted that every child is unique and has the right to be valued, and respected. He underscored the need to ensure the dignity, rights, and inclusion of all autistic individuals.

He recalled that in line with Government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of the society, catering for the needs of children suffering from ASD and providing them with the best possible care and opportunities, remain a key priority.

Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo noted that approximately 13 000 individuals in Mauritius are affected by ASD, assuring that the Ministry is maximising available resources to provide essential mental, behavioural, and psychological support and healthcare facilities to them.

Furthermore, acknowledging the need for more infrastructure, the Minister called for private sector collaboration and announced plans for a new autism day care centre in the South region, complementing the new one in Flacq.

Awareness campaign on Autism Spectrum Disorder

The objective of the awareness campaign on ASD is to sensitise the public on the condition and to assist parents, caregivers, and teachers in recognising the early warning signs and guiding them towards the appropriate channels for timely intervention and support.

The campaign highlights the importance of early intervention at a young age which can significantly improve a child’s developmental outcomes. It aims at ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to thrive, develop, and be fully included in society.

30 April 2026

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Topics: Health