Algiers, November 24, 2025 – The Algerian government has officially inaugurated a cross-sector committee tasked with detecting and addressing drug use within the nation’s educational institutions. The Minister of National Education, Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui, alongside the Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messoudene, presided over the installation ceremony of the committee.
Minister Saadaoui emphasized that the committee’s primary function is to propose a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the executive decree concerning the detection of drug use in schools. This roadmap will detail practical procedures for enforcing the decree’s provisions.
The committee is comprised of qualified representatives from various relevant sectors. According to officials, routine screenings may include tests for substances of abuse, focusing on early indicators of drug use. However, such screenings will only be conducted with the consent of student representatives or a juvenile judge.
Crucially, the government has stated that in cases where drug use is confirmed, the individuals involved will be subject to therapeutic measures and will not face legal prosecution. The focus remains on rehabilitation and support rather than punitive action.
This initiative underscores the Algerian government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its students and creating a drug-free learning environment. The establishment of this committee represents a significant step towards proactively addressing the issue of drug use within the educational system.
