Algeria eliminates trachoma as public health problem, WHO confirms
via Algérie3602 min read
The World Health Organization WHO officially confirmed on April 17, 2026, that Algeria has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This achievement makes Algeria one of the few nations to have eradicated this major cause of blindness. The announcement was made public by the Ministry of Health, marking the fourth transmissible disease the country has successfully eliminated, demonstrating the effectiveness of its prevention policies. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated the Algerian government for this "historic success," stating that the elimination of a disease like trachoma is a significant public health achievement requiring long-term effort and dedication. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally. This international certification for Algeria confirms that the country has met demanding standards in care and living conditions. Professor Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudene commended the experts of the national committee for trachoma control and all healthcare professionals involved. This victory is attributed to multisectoral coordination and sustained state commitment. By joining this limited group of leading countries, Algeria reinforces its position in international health and commits to maintaining these gains to protect future generations from preventable diseases. This international recognition highlights Algeria's strategic commitment to its citizens' health and rep
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Must ReadEconomic relations between Algeria and China have reached a new milestone, with trade exchanges hitting a record $15 billion in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year. This was announced during a conference in Algiers titled "Writing a New Chapter of Development and Prosperity." Jin Xin, the Chinese Vice Minister of External Relations of the Communist Party of China, stated that this growth is a direct result of the roadmap established by Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Xi Jinping in 2022. Jin Xin also highlighted the more than 60 years of shared interests, mutual respect, and rejection of foreign interference that underpin the relationship, acknowledging China's historical support for Algeria's liberation struggle. The Chinese delegation's visit aims to diversify cooperation into new technologies and digitalization, modern agriculture for food security, and industry and culture through the Initiative for Global Civilization. Chinese Ambassador to Algiers, Dong Guangli, emphasized mutual learning between the two nations, describing their people as hardworking, wise, courageous, proud, and sovereign, aiming for a win-win cooperation model. The Chinese representative also recognized Algeria's pivotal role in African and Mediterranean affairs. Smaïl Debeche, president of the Algerian-Chinese Friendship Association, concluded that the diplomatic wisdom of both countries acts as a stabilizing force in addressing current global challenges.
Must ReadA national survey conducted by the National Institute of Public Health INSPB in collaboration with the World Health Organization WHO has mapped healthcare-associated infection risks across Algeria's 16 University Hospital Centers CHUs. The study, which analyzed 5,177 patient cases, found an overall infection rate of 6.0%, with significant variations across medical specialties. Intensive care units reported the highest infection rate at 13.9%, primarily respiratory infections 46.6%, followed by surgery at 7.0%, where surgical site complications were predominant. Obstetrics and general medicine had lower rates of 5.0% and 3.5% respectively. Geographically, the East and West regions showed the highest prevalence at 7.0%, with Tlemcen CHU reaching 10.8%. The survey also highlighted concerning antimicrobial use, with over 54% of patients receiving at least one antibiotic treatment. A critical finding was the prolonged use of surgical prophylaxis beyond 24 hours in 76.6% of cases, contrary to international recommendations, which contributes to the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Factors increasing infection risk include hospital stays longer than seven days, the patient's initial health status e.g., malnutrition, immunodeficiency, and surgical interventions, with ophthalmology being a notable exception. To address these issues, the INSPB and WHO experts recommend a national five-year strategy led by the Ministry of Health. This strategy focuses on two main pillars: zero
Algerian national team goalkeeper Melvin Mastil is at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup after undergoing surgery for an inguinal hernia. He will be unavailable for several weeks, posing a challenge for national coach Vladimir Petkovic. Mastil, who plays for FC Stade Nyonnais on loan from FC Lausanne, made his debut for the national team in March during a friendly match against Guatemala, which Algeria won 7-0. This injury follows a similar setback for another Algerian goalkeeper, Anthony Mandréa, who is also uncertain for the World Cup due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, USM Alger goalkeeper Oussama Benbot is reportedly under pressure to reverse his decision to retire from international football, a decision he made after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite his strong performances in the CAF Confederation Cup, sources close to Benbot indicate he is not planning to return to the national team, though it remains to be seen if an appeal from the Algerian Football Federation could change his mind.
The Belgian Embassy in Algeria has announced that its consular services are completely overwhelmed, leading to significant delays in processing Schengen visa applications. This saturation, detailed in a statement released on Tuesday, April 21, means that even applicants with appointments will experience longer-than-normal waiting times. The embassy stated it has reached its maximum processing capacity, a first for a Schengen area representation in Algeria. While new applications are still accepted, those already in progress will be prioritized, making summer travel plans to Belgium unrealistic for individuals who have not yet started their application process. The availability of appointments for tourist visas is particularly limited, with Schengen C visa applicants being most affected. The embassy noted that appointment waiting times for all visa categories could extend from one to two months, with tourist visa slots being very scarce. The embassy plans to increase its processing capacity, but expects this enhancement to reach full effectiveness only by early autumn. This aims to restore normal waiting times for applicants, though additional time may be required if the Aliens Office needs to be consulted. This situation follows recent migration agreements between Belgium and Algeria, including simplified expulsion procedures for irregular Algerian nationals and a visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders.