A meeting of cancer patient support associations was held on Tuesday in Algiers to enhance coordination between sectors, public bodies, and civil society for the prevention and control of the disease. Organized by the National Committee for Cancer Prevention and Control in cooperation with the Algerian Federation of Cancer Patient Associations, the meeting aimed to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination in fighting the disease.
In his speech, the President of the Committee, Professor Adda Bounjar, explained that this meeting, which coincides with World Cancer Day, brings together more than 70 associations at the national level and is part of the National Strategy for Cancer Prevention and Control 2025-2035.
Bounjar added that the meeting will feature four workshops on cancer prevention through early detection, especially for prevalent types such as breast and prostate cancer. The workshops also cover the role of associations in disseminating correct information and achieving cooperation between various sectors and civil society, noting a vaccination campaign Algeria is preparing to launch this year against certain types of cancer.
Regarding cancer medications, Professor Bounjar clarified that they are “available, especially for immunotherapy and targeted therapy, while a new batch is expected to arrive this year.”
For his part, the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wassim Kouidri, praised the organization of this meeting, which comes at a time when state institutions are strengthening their comprehensive approach to disease prevention and patient care according to an integrated strategy in which the pharmaceutical industry holds an important position.
He also emphasized the central responsibility of his sector in the success of the national strategy by providing drugs for the treatment of this disease and continuing to develop local manufacturing to enhance pharmaceutical health sovereignty and avoid disruptions related to imports. He noted that the national pharmaceutical market includes 10 pharmaceutical companies manufacturing cancer drugs, producing 450 different medications.
The Minister of National Solidarity, Family, and Women’s Issues, Soraya Mouloudji, highlighted the work of associations in this field, describing it as an essential lever in various policies adopted to combat cancer and strengthen prevention mechanisms, while providing necessary support to those affected, especially on a psychological level.
She considered that combating this disease requires “intensifying efforts for prevention and limiting its spread while fighting its causes and helping those affected in accordance with the requirements of approved treatment mechanisms.”
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Mohamed Talhi, stated that the meeting reflects the “shared will of various actors, including official institutions, international bodies, experts, and associations, to face one of the most serious health challenges of our time.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Algerian Federation of Cancer Patient Associations, Hamida Kettab, stressed the importance of doubling efforts to ensure “more effective care for patients.”
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