Algerian Radio
The Minister of Health, Mr. Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, received the representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Algeria, Mrs. Soraya Alem, where both parties reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen it, according to a ministry statement issued this Thursday.
The same source explained that the meeting, which took place in the presence of officials from the central administration, began with "a review of the existing cooperation between Algeria and the Joint United Nations Programme." Both sides emphasized "the strength of the partnership that unites them and their shared willingness to reinforce it and expand its fields, in a way that supports national efforts aimed at preventing HIV and improving care for people living with the virus."
In this context, the Programme representative praised "the efforts made by the Algerian state in the field of prevention and treatment," confirming "the readiness of the Joint United Nations Programme to continue accompanying Algeria in implementing the activities of the National Strategic Plan for the Fight against Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS for the 2024–2028 period, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the national response in prevention and care.
The statement noted that the meeting touched upon "the evolution of the epidemiological situation of HIV at both regional and international levels, discussing the rise in recorded infections, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening surveillance mechanisms, prevention, and early care."
Both parties also discussed "the issue of the transmission of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis B and C, stressing the need to adopt a comprehensive preventive approach based on awareness, early detection, and improved care."
For his part, the Minister of Health stressed that "prevention represents the fundamental pillar for limiting the spread of this virus," also emphasizing "the need to intensify sensitization and awareness campaigns, with particular attention paid to adolescents, alongside strengthening efforts to combat addiction to psychotropic substances, given their connection to risk factors leading to transmission, while working to expand the scope of care for substance abusers and enabling them to benefit from specialized treatment services."
In a related context—as noted by the source—Mr. Ait Messaoudene emphasized "the importance of developing basic and continuous training for health professionals, ensuring they keep pace with scientific developments and improving the quality of care for people living with this disease."
The two sides also addressed "the importance of combating all forms of stigma and discrimination within healthcare structures and institutions, and working to instill the principles of equality and respect for patients' dignity, ensuring their access to quality healthcare services in compliance with professional ethics."
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed "their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation and partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Joint United Nations Programme, particularly in the areas of prevention, developing basic and continuous training, capacity building, the exchange of expertise, and technical support, thereby contributing to supporting the national response to combat HIV, promoting public health, and realizing health-related Sustainable Development Goals."
