The launch of two fully equipped mobile clinics to conduct breast cancer screening and awareness campaigns across several wilayas of the country was inaugurated on Thursday in Algiers by Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudene, Minister of Health, alongside Soraya Mouloudji, Minister of National Solidarity, Family, and Women’s Status, as part of the activities for Pink October.
During the launch ceremony, Aït Messaoudene affirmed that the fight against cancer constitutes “a major national priority” embedded in the vision of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He emphasized that “this direction is not simply a decision but a comprehensive mobilization aimed at ensuring integrated and modern healthcare for all patients.” He also highlighted Algeria’s progress in this area, citing the establishment of a national network of 18 anti-cancer centers (CAC) distributed across the country, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
He added, “The state’s efforts are not limited to treatment but extend to prevention and early detection, notably through the commissioning of the specialized center in Biskra, soon to be followed by other similar facilities.” To ensure better standardization of treatment, the ministry has adopted a unified national therapeutic protocol for the most common cancers, particularly breast cancer, to guarantee equitable and standardized care. The minister stressed the importance of psychological support for patients, noting the establishment of psychomedical teams dedicated to accompanying women throughout their treatment journey.
Regarding skills enhancement, he also announced the creation of a new specialty in senology and early detection, in the form of a complementary training certificate intended for general practitioners. This training will enable the rapid identification of suspected cases at local health facilities.
For her part, Minister Soraya Mouloudji emphasized the collaboration between the health and national solidarity sectors, essential for “limiting cases and reducing the mortality rate related to breast cancer.” She underscored the necessity of both medical and psychological support, particularly in remote regions, to ensure equal access to information and care.
Moreover, the National Solidarity sector launched at the beginning of the month a national campaign for early screening, awareness, and consciousness-raising on breast and cervical cancers, as part of the Arab Breast Cancer Awareness Day. This initiative aligns with Recommendation No. 4 from the Arab Women’s Committee, formulated during its 38th session held in Algeria, and centers around the “Pink Portfolio” project, aimed at delivering a common message to Arab women on health and prevention.
Meanwhile, Adda Bounedjar, President of the National Commission for Cancer Prevention and Control (CNPLCC), praised the state’s efforts to reduce breast cancer incidence. He declared that Algeria “is on track to achieve the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO),” namely detecting 60% of cases at an early stage. However, he called for the continuation of awareness campaigns and the intensification of screening efforts to reach this goal as soon as possible.