Eradicating viral hepatitis by 2030 represents the core objective established by Algeria, aligning directly with directives from the World Health Organization (WHO). Marking World Hepatitis Day, the Ministry of Health renewed its commitment to strengthening prevention, vaccination, screening, and patient management to permanently minimize the disease’s footprint.
Centered on the theme “Hepatitis: Breaking Barriers,” the occasion convened United Nations delegates in Algeria, medical experts, health officials, and civil society advocates.
In an address delivered on his behalf, Health Minister Pr Mohamed-Seddik Ait Messaouden emphasized the urgency of removing hurdles that restrict access to preventive services, diagnostics, and care. He noted that combating viral hepatitis remains a national priority, driven primarily by the execution of the Strategic National Plan for the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis 2024-2027.
This roadmap hinges on key pillars: boosting prevention, expanding early detection, enhancing therapeutic management, and supporting operational research.
Highlighting ongoing progress, the ministry pointed to the widespread integration of the hepatitis B vaccine into the routine childhood immunization schedule since 2003, alongside its mandatory expansion for healthcare students since 2013. Efforts additionally focus on transfusion safety, infection control in healthcare settings, and the escalation of public awareness initiatives.
Regarding treatment, authorities announced the scaling up of human and material resources, refined clinical protocols, and broadened localized care for patients.
Algeria further places specialized focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus—a crucial milestone toward reaching the 2030 elimination target.
Ultimately, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its determination to sustain momentum alongside local and international partners to combat viral hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, in line with the nation’s international pledges.