Algerian Radio
The Minister of Health, Mr. Mohamed Seddik Ait Messoudane, highlighted today, Tuesday, in Geneva (Switzerland), Algeria's firm commitment to the principles of international solidarity and health justice, as well as its support for ensuring the right to health for all without exception, according to a statement from the ministry.
In a speech during his participation in the proceedings of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, Mr. Ait Messoudane, emphasized that "the current, unprecedented health challenges—such as pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and climate emergencies, as well as disparities in access to healthcare—require the concerted efforts of everyone through accelerating the implementation of universal health coverage, which has become an urgent strategic priority."
In this context, he pointed out that Algeria "has managed, thanks to the policy it has pursued for decades, to achieve a remarkable improvement in health indicators, by reaching an average life expectancy of 80 years and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal and child health, guaranteeing national pharmaceutical needs, as well as eradicating a number of infectious diseases," as noted in the statement.
He also emphasized that the country "will remain faithful to the World Health Organization's values based on solidarity and equity," through "continuing the reform of its health system by strengthening infrastructure, developing digitalization, training human resources, and enhancing community healthcare, while placing special importance on prevention as well as maintaining free healthcare."
After reminding that the right to health for Algeria is "fundamental and inalienable," the Minister pointed out its deep concern over the deteriorating health and humanitarian situation in the State of Palestine and the occupied territories, as a result of the continuous attacks targeting civilians, health facilities, and medical personnel. In this regard, he called for "ensuring urgent protection in the region and the unhindered access of humanitarian and medical aid."
On the other hand, he highlighted "Algeria's adherence to its African policy based on solidarity and shared development, through effective health cooperation within the vision of South-South cooperation," which is being implemented through the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development, established by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The Minister of Health concluded by emphasizing that the Assembly is "called upon, today more than ever, to strengthen collective action and solidify mutual trust among member states, because the decisions we make today will shape the future of global health security and enhance our capabilities to face crises."
