Algiers, January 27, 2026 – The Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Mesoudane, received the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Algeria, Faiza Ben Dries, at the Ministry headquarters yesterday evening. Senior officials from the central administration were also present.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the current status and future prospects of the long-standing bilateral cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the UNFPA office in Algeria. Discussions focused on strengthening and expanding this partnership, particularly concerning Algeria’s achievements in reproductive health, family planning, reducing maternal mortality, clinical care for women victims of violence, and improving the capabilities of health professionals to ensure quality health services.
The UNFPA Representative highlighted Algeria’s commitment, reaffirmed during the Nairobi Summit in 2019, to achieving the summit’s three core objectives by 2030: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet needs for family planning, and zero cases of violence against women.
The Minister emphasized the significant gains made by the national health system, notably the considerable reduction in maternal mortality rates and the increase in life expectancy, alongside improved health coverage and population well-being. He underscored the importance of continuing and strengthening the strategic partnership with the UNFPA, praising its role in supporting national health programs, particularly those related to maternal and women’s health, and reproductive health.
The Minister also highlighted that this cooperation has significantly contributed to embedding preventative and participatory approaches, aligning with the priorities of the national health policy and Algeria’s international commitments.
Faiza Ben Dries, the UNFPA Representative in Algeria, described Algeria as a strategic partner, affirming the Fund’s readiness to continue working, coordinating, and supporting national efforts in areas related to maternal and women’s health. Both parties expressed optimism about the future of cooperation between Algeria and the UNFPA, emphasizing that joint efforts will enable the achievement of qualitative and sustainable progress in the field of maternal and women’s health.
