In a significant move to strengthen healthcare services for women and children, the Ministry of Health today launched a new national guide. The launch ceremony, held at the Djamaa El-Djazaïr, was presided over by the Minister of Health, Mohamed Siddek Ait Mesbah, and attended by prominent figures including the Grand Mufti of Algiers, Sheikh Mohamed Mamoun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani, and the National Commissioner for Child Protection and Promotion, Meriem Cherfi, as well as experts and professors in the field.
The guide aims to standardize medical practices, enhance the skills of healthcare professionals, and improve the overall quality of care provided to mothers and children across the nation.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Health, the Minister emphasized that maternal and child health has been a top priority for Algeria since its independence. He stated that investing in the health of mothers and children is fundamental to building a strong society and achieving sustainable development.
The Minister highlighted Algeria’s commitment to principles of equity, solidarity, and ensuring fair access to healthcare for all. He noted that significant progress has been made in reproductive, maternal, and child health through key national programs. These include the National Maternal and Child Health Program, the National Program for Reducing Maternal Mortality, which focuses on emergency care, and the strengthening of family planning services, alongside the integration of non-communicable diseases in the follow-up of pregnant women.
The Minister also pointed out that the contractual agreement between hospitals and the National Social Security Fund has ensured free childbirth for socially insured women, reinforcing the state’s commitment to universal health coverage. Data from the MICS 6 national survey reveals that over 97% of births are attended by qualified medical personnel, demonstrating the state’s dedication to providing quality care that safeguards women’s well-being and guarantees their rights.
Algeria’s efforts align with global policies led by the World Health Organization, which advocate for safe pregnancies, births with proper care, high-quality postpartum care, improved service quality, reduced unnecessary interventions, and empowering women to participate in decisions regarding their health. The Minister affirmed that these achievements are part of Algeria’s commitment to implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, and strengthen health systems.
