Algerian Radio
The Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène, received at the ministry's headquarters the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Algeria, Ms. Alessandra Schiavo. The meeting was attended by members of the Italian-Arab International Scientific Association of Medical and Surgical Sciences, along with central administration executives, according to a ministry statement on Monday.
The same source clarified that this meeting provided an opportunity to review the "reality and prospects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries." Both parties praised the "level of Algerian-Italian relations, which are characterized by a special nature and historical depth, and which have been remarkably strengthened in recent years in light of the economic dynamism Algeria is witnessing across various sectors, particularly the health sector."
On this occasion, the minister reviewed the most important reforms and projects underway in the health sector, aimed at "modernizing the national health system, improving the quality of health services, and ensuring the principle of health equity in access to treatment and healthcare across various regions of the country."
In the same context, he touched upon the "project for the Reference Center for Tropical Diseases in Tamanrasset, which falls within the national strategy aimed at strengthening national capacities in health surveillance, vigilance, and high-level health alerts. This will allow for a rapid and effective response to various potential health challenges." He highlighted "the importance this project holds in enhancing national and regional health security and consolidating Algeria's pivotal position in the fields of prevention and health monitoring."
For her part, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Algeria expressed her "satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations uniting the two countries." She affirmed that cooperation in the health field constitutes "one of the promising axes that requires further coordination and exchange of expertise." She also emphasized Italy's keenness to "expand areas of cooperation in health specialties, which enhances the exchange of competencies and benefits the health systems of both countries."
Within this framework, the minister discussed "ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in a number of priority health areas, by intensifying the exchange of expertise and successful experiences, and benefiting from Italian competencies, particularly in the field of managing rare diseases and developing innovative treatments, foremost among them cellular therapy."
Meanwhile, the Italian side brought up the "First Institutional Meeting on Health Policies between Italy and Arab Countries," scheduled to be held in Algeria next September. They affirmed the "importance of this meeting in strengthening dialogue, consultation, and the exchange of expertise among stakeholders in the health sector, thereby contributing to the development of cooperation and partnership in health areas of mutual interest."
The two sides agreed on "the importance of encouraging twinning projects between Algerian hospital and university institutions and their Italian counterparts. This will allow for the enhancement of cooperation in the fields of continuing education, scientific research, and the transfer of modern medical technology and knowledge."
At the end of the meeting, both parties renewed "their commitment to continue consultation, coordination, and joint work to give new impetus to Algerian-Italian health cooperation. This will contribute to elevating the level of health services and developing the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest," according to the same source.
