Algeria committed to national health policy that prioritizes equity, human rights
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– During his speech at the 76th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Minister of Health Abdelhak Saihi highlighted Algeria’s commitment to a national health policy that prioritizes equity and human rights. He emphasized that Algeria’s approach is centered on providing access to care through proximity health programs, which are supported by a clear national health policy.
Saihi also noted that Algeria is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Plan. This includes working towards ensuring good health and prosperity for all. To this end, Algeria has implemented policies aimed at improving access to health services and meeting the needs of its population.
The Minister further explained that the 2018 law on health in Algeria is a testament to the country’s political will to promote health and prevent disease, as stipulated in the Constitution. The increase in the budget allocated to the health sector is aimed at preserving free services in the areas of prevention and treatment, and removing any financial obstacles that may prevent necessary medical care.
“The 76th session of the World Health Assembly is taking place amidst a global health landscape that has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted for over three years. This unprecedented crisis has exposed the shortcomings of even the most organized and competent health systems, highlighting the urgent need for greater resilience and preparedness in the face of future health crises,” noted the Minister.
And to add: “As we gather for this important meeting, it is crucial that we take the opportunity to deepen our dialogue and reflect on the lessons learned from our collective fight against the pandemic. By doing so, we can work together to take decisive action and ensure that we are better equipped to face the next major health crisis.”
The Minister emphasized that “this meeting represents a critical moment for the international community to come together and take concrete steps towards creating more resilient health systems.”
He went on further, saying: “The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a stark reminder of the critical need for international solidarity and cooperation in the face of global crises.” Mr. Saihi, speaking on the matter, emphasized the importance of strengthening our capacities to anticipate and manage such crises while also acknowledging the obstacles that still hinder our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure comprehensive health coverage.
As the Minister of Health, Mr. Saihi stressed the imperative to meet these challenges head-on in order to establish a permanent framework for innovation and research in the field of health. He believes that achieving comprehensive health coverage is a primary goal for improving the health and prosperity of citizens and that we must learn from the lessons of COVID-19 to create more resilient health systems capable of responding to any extraordinary health phenomenon.
Furthermore, the minister underlined the importance of solidarity and equitable access to care through bilateral or multilateral cooperation mechanisms. He noted that lifting patents on medicines and vaccines can facilitate access to care for fellow citizens and that Algeria shares the ambitious and determined vision of the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) in meeting the major challenges of sustainable development.
