As childhood obesity climbs to worrying levels and chronic diseases threaten future generations, the Diabetics Association of Algiers province is stepping up its on‑the‑ground efforts. Between screening campaigns and advocacy for a sweeping overhaul of lifestyle habits in schools, its president, Fayçal Ouahada, is sounding the alarm to public authorities. His call comes amid a startling rise in diabetes and a steady deterioration of dietary habits.
The Algiers province diabetics association is no longer focusing only on treatment; it is determined to prevent the disease. It has multiplied awareness‑raising actions, especially in educational settings. Interviewed by Le Jeune Indépendant, its president, Fayçal Ouahada, issues a clear warning. “We are witnessing an alarming increase in diabetes cases among children and adolescents. This phenomenon is directly linked to changes in lifestyle, particularly unbalanced diets and growing physical inactivity,” he says.
For several years now, the association has run large‑scale awareness campaigns targeting educational institutions, from primary schools to universities. From schools in the commune of Mohamed Belouizdad to private establishments in Bab Ezzouar, and on to high schools, these initiatives aim to instil the basics of healthy living from an early age.
“We regularly organise awareness days to explain to pupils the symptoms of diabetes, its complications, and above all how it can be prevented,” explains Mr. Ouahada. Among the flagship activities, field‑based screening operations are also conducted. “Early screening is essential. It allows us to detect undiagnosed cases and intervene quickly,” he underlines.
For the association president, the main challenge remains transforming eating behaviours. “Children today consume too much sugar, fizzy drinks and fast food. These habits are genuine ‘modern dietary toxins’ that foster the early onset of diabetes and obesity,” he warns.
He also stresses the key role of the family and the school. “Nutritional education must begin at the earliest age. Parents and teachers have a decisive role in instilling healthy eating habits,” he insists.
In this context, certain international initiatives—such as the measures adopted in the United Kingdom to ban excessively sugary and fried foods from school canteens—are being watched closely. “This kind of decision could inspire similar policies in Algeria, adapted to our own context,” he believes.
Another issue worrying the association is the growing consumption of energy drinks among young people. “These products pose a real health hazard. They contain very high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can trigger heart problems, sleep disturbances and raise the risk of diabetes,” alerts Mr. Ouahada.
He also cites serious cases linked to their excessive use, particularly among adolescents engaged in intense sports activities. “There is a risk of serious complications, even sudden death in extreme situations,” he cautions.
Faced with the scale of the problem, the Diabetics Association of Algiers province is calling for a comprehensive mobilisation. “The fight against childhood diabetes requires the involvement of everyone: public authorities, schools, parents, and health professionals,” underscores Mr. Ouahada.
In the absence of a more structured national strategy, on‑the‑ground action remains an essential line of defence. “Prevention is our best weapon. If we fail to act now, the number of cases could double in the coming years,” he concludes.
His warning amounts to an urgent appeal to rethink lifestyles in order to safeguard the health of future generations.