Student Vaccination Drives Set for New School Year

The Algerian Ministry of Health has announced plans for expanded vaccination campaigns targeting students immediately following the new school year's commencement. Dr. Fatima Bousmaha, Deputy Director for Private Environments at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that these initiatives are being coordinated directly with directors of educational institutions to establish appropriate schedules. The preparations also include school health doctors initiating activities within educational establishments to verify the readiness of facilities, inspect water tanks, sanitary installations, and school restaurants, focusing on overall health and hygiene standards.

Vaccination is a central priority within the health initiatives, particularly given the existence of preventable diseases. The planned campaigns will cover vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, with specific schedules for students in the first year of middle school and subsequent phases, including the initial years of secondary education. Algeria possesses pioneering experience in the field of vaccination, and school health services are continuously monitoring health and epidemiological developments to implement necessary preventive measures.

School health doctors will lead these student vaccination drives while simultaneously preparing for other activities associated with the new academic year. Meetings are currently underway between educational institution directors and school health coordinators from the health sector to finalize operational programs and intervention timings. These efforts are further supported by multi-disciplinary expert committees, including pediatricians and specialists from other fields, as well as inter-sectoral committees overseeing school health policies. Additionally, a practical guide is being developed in coordination with the National Office for Drug Control to address student protection and care in cases of addiction.