Algeria Boosts Cancer Fight⁢ with National Strategy, Infrastructure Investments

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria ⁤is intensifying its efforts to combat cancer through⁣ a comprehensive national strategy and significant investments in medical infrastructure, according to recent statements from government officials.

National Strategy Focuses on Prevention and Treatment

Health Minister Abdelhak Saïhi emphasized the state’s commitment to cancer care during the opening of national⁤ foundations dedicated to the cause. He stated that as 2020,Algeria’s approach has been rooted in a two-pronged national ⁢strategy encompassing both preventive and therapeutic ⁣measures.

“The preventive component constitutes an essential axis of this strategy,due to the link between the disease and various avoidable factors,” Saïhi ⁣said. This suggests a focus on public health initiatives aimed at‍ reducing⁤ cancer risk factors.

The therapeutic aspect of the strategy prioritizes improving care options and specialized training. Efforts are underway to train general practitioners to ⁢participate in early screening and patient monitoring.

infrastructure and Resource Allocation

Algeria currently has 21 cancer-fighting centers and more than 132 ⁣chemotherapy treatment locations, according⁣ to Saïhi. He also noted that 50% ⁣of the central hospital ⁣pharmacy’s budget is⁤ allocated to acquiring‍ specific drugs for cancer patients.

The government has allocated an additional 25 billion dinars to equip medical infrastructure specializing⁤ in radiotherapy. The number of medical accelerators, crucial for radiotherapy ⁢treatment, is also increasing.

Algeria possesses 62 accelerators, and the addition of 29 new accelerators ⁤will bring the rate to⁤ one accelerator per 1 million inhabitants, aligning with international standards,⁢ according to the Health Minister.

Saïhi asserted that the state is fully committed to mobilizing all available resources to ensure⁢ equitable care for every patient.

Integrated Approach and Scientific Research

Professor Adda Bounedjar,president of the National Commission for Cancer⁤ Prevention⁣ and Combat,highlighted the aim of these initiatives to implement‍ an integrated national strategy against cancer. “Considerable efforts have also been made⁤ to finance ⁢the health sector,” Bounedjar said.

These foundations are designed to develop national short- and long-term cancer prevention strategies, while a specialized committee will monitor the implementation and regularly ⁤assess the results.

Bounedjar stressed the importance of scientific research⁢ as a central pillar supporting this process, noting that Algeria has trained a significant ‍number of doctors and nurses.

Cancer Statistics and Pharmaceutical Industry Role

Breast cancer accounts for 50% of cancer cases, affecting approximately 15,000 individuals, according to Bounedjar. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in Algerian⁢ women. In men over 50, prostate cancer is the most prevalent.

Minister of the Pharmaceutical Industry Wassim Kouidri stated that the ongoing discussions provide an possibility to exchange experiences and address issues related to prevention, diagnosis, pharmaceutical and medical supply, financing, governance, training, and research, with a ⁣focus on patient treatment monitoring.

Kouidri added that the pharmaceutical industry will ⁢consider‍ the conclusions of workshops related to its activities to ensure better care for cancer patients. This includes incorporating technological advances in anticancer ⁢drug manufacturing and ensuring drug availability, in coordination with relevant sectors.

Regarding medication supplies, Kouidri emphasized the importance of registering and digitizing innovative drugs through a regulatory framework that facilitates the process, ultimately improving patient access to these medications.