Algeria’s Minister of Health has revealed that approximately 3.8 million Algerians are currently living with diabetes. The announcement underscores the growing concern over the prevalence of this chronic disease and the urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies.
Speaking at an event commemorating World Diabetes Day, the Minister, represented by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the global impact of diabetes, noting that it affects an estimated 589 million people worldwide, representing 11.1% of the global population. Projections indicate that this number could surge to over 853 million by 2050.
In Algeria, the prevalence rate among adults stands at approximately 14.4%, escalating to 32% in individuals over the age of 70. This substantial number of cases presents significant challenges to the nation’s healthcare system, requiring a concerted effort to curb the spread of the disease and mitigate its complications.
This year’s World Diabetes Day focuses on prevention and empowering individuals through continuous health education. The Minister emphasized that patient involvement in managing their condition is crucial for improving their quality of life and promoting proactive health maintenance. The Ministry aims to raise awareness about the significant impact of lifestyle choices on health, particularly in relation to diabetes. It encourages the adoption of healthy eating habits to reduce the incidence of the disease.
The Ministry of Health has launched an updated version of the National Guide to Good Practices in Diabetes, a reference document designed to enhance health education and provide both patients and healthcare professionals with modern tools for optimal care. Changing lifestyles is a shared responsibility, requiring innovative strategies for diabetes prevention to improve public health and reduce long-term complications. The Ministry is committed to implementing these strategies to safeguard the health of the Algerian population.
