🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
Algeria's Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry addresses Levothyrox shortage concerns, promises supply normalization
via Algérie3602 min read
Algeria's Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry has responded to growing concerns from thyroid patients regarding a shortage of Levothyrox, assuring that supplies will return to normal next week. The ministry officially addressed the alert raised by Dr. Abderrahim Bounekta, who highlighted in a widely shared video the significant difficulties patients faced in obtaining this vital treatment, citing disruptions over nearly six months. The ministry confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and has conducted a thorough inventory of available stocks. According to ministerial services, the medication will be available in sufficient quantities and all dosages starting early next week. Control brigades remain mobilized to monitor the distribution chain and rectify any dysfunctions across the country's wilayas. In a long-term strategy to end cyclical crises, the ministry announced the launch of local production of an Algerian version of Levothyrox, scheduled to begin in January 2027, aiming for stable supply and reduced import dependence. Dr. Bounekta, while commending the authorities' responsiveness, urged pharmacists to strictly dispense the medication only with a prescription and advised patients to avoid excessive precautionary purchases, which exacerbate shortages and deprive others of their treatment. This joint effort by health professionals and public authorities aims to alleviate fears of a complete shortage of this essential medication for thousands of Algerians.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Rachida Brakni, a Franco-Algerian actress, director, and singer, has declined the Legion of Honor, France's highest civilian award, after her name appeared on the prestigious July 14th civil promotion list. Brakni announced her decision on Instagram, stating that the "question of honor" extends beyond official medals. She expressed surprise at the nomination, which she was not informed about in advance. The 49-year-old actress explained that her sense of honor is a "precious moral duty" she strives to apply daily in her work, writing, and life choices, valuing the esteem of those important to her more than any distinction. Brakni attributes her strong principles to her late father, Kaddour, an Algerian immigrant worker, who instilled in her a strict upbringing and courage, providing her with a "passport to freedom" that fueled her social and artistic success, including César and Molière awards in 2002. Her book, "Kaddour," explores this spiritual connection and the complexities of exile, recounting the repatriation of her father's body to Tipaza, Algeria, during the pandemic, and honoring a generation of uprooted men between France and Algeria.
Saudia Airlines has inaugurated a new direct flight route connecting Oran, Algeria, to Medina, Saudi Arabia, starting July 13. This non-stop service aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries and enhance passenger comfort, particularly for pilgrims traveling for Hajj or Umrah. The flight from Oran's Ahmed Ben Bella Airport to Medina's Mohamed Bin Abdulaziz Airport takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of about 4,040 kilometers. Saudia Airlines is deploying its Boeing 777-300 aircraft for this route. Additionally, a new Saudia Airlines physical agency has opened at Ahmed Ben Bella Airport in Oran, offering travelers the convenience of purchasing tickets, obtaining information, and managing travel arrangements directly at the airport. A one-way ticket from Oran to Medina is available from 107,205 DA. This new connection expands the network of direct flights from Algeria to major Saudi cities, complementing existing services to Jeddah, which operates twice weekly with a flight duration of 6 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes.
Must ReadAlgeria is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with its synthetic fertility index falling from nearly 8 children per woman after independence to approximately 2.5 children today. This data was presented by Mohamed Talhi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, during the World Population Day celebration. Despite this decline, Algeria maintains a young demographic structure, which Talhi highlighted as an opportunity to leverage a "demographic dividend" through continued investment in human capital, youth empowerment, and their contribution to national development. He also emphasized the need for proactive policies focusing on quality access to education, employment, health, housing, and family stability in response to global demographic transformations. The decrease in birth rate is attributed to major socio-economic changes, including increased education levels, growing urbanization, evolving marriage patterns such as a later age for marriage, greater female participation in the workforce, and improved living conditions. While the decline is notable, Algeria remains a leader in birth rates within the Maghreb region. A recent study by France's National Institute of Demographic Studies INED indicates that Algeria recorded a rate of 2.61 children per woman in 2024, compared to Morocco's 1.97 in 2023 and Tunisia's 1.58 in the same year, with Tunisia projected to drop to 1.53 in 2024. The study also noted a unique period for Algeria, where its birth rate rebounded a