Algiers, Algeria – UNICEF has lauded Algeria’s leading role in fostering and strengthening health cooperation across the African continent. The organization expressed its keenness to provide support to further advance this vital effort.
The commendation comes as Algeria’s Minister of Health, Mohamed Nadir Hamzaoui, reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to develop practical partnerships with UNICEF in the field of local pharmaceutical and health technology production.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference on Local Production of Medicines and Health Technologies, held under the patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During the event, the Minister received Abdullah Makhlouf, UNICEF’s Regional Director of Supplies for the Middle East and North Africa, in the presence of UNICEF’s Representative in Algeria, Catarina Johansson.
The meeting focused on exploring avenues to expand collaboration between Algeria and UNICEF in the areas of local production of medicines, vaccines, and health technologies. Makhlouf commended the Minister’s hospitality and praised Algeria’s leadership, particularly in organizing the African conference on local pharmaceutical production. He also presented an overview of UNICEF’s global and regional capabilities in managing health product supply chains.
Makhlouf highlighted that the increasing demand for health supplies in the Middle East and North Africa region presents significant opportunities for cooperation with Algeria, given its developing pharmaceutical industry. Johansson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Algeria’s pivotal role in promoting African health cooperation and reiterating UNICEF’s readiness to provide technical assistance and support.
Minister Hamzaoui affirmed Algeria’s commitment to working with UNICEF to develop practical partnerships, in coordination with relevant departments within the Ministry, particularly the Directorate of Pharmacy and Health Equipment. This includes organizing a technical meeting to identify potential areas of collaboration.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of establishing a joint cooperation framework to support local production and address regional needs, thereby enhancing health security in Algeria and the broader Middle East and North Africa region. This partnership aims to bolster Algeria’s position as a key player in regional health initiatives.
