Hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic use in Algerian university hospitals revealed by national survey
via Algérie3603 min read
A 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
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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.
Must ReadFrench MP Sabrina Sebaihi has introduced a bill demanding the immediate return of the Baba Merzoug cannon, also known as "La Consulaire," to Algeria. This follows the recent unanimous adoption by the French National Assembly of a law to simplify and accelerate the restitution of cultural property plundered during the colonial period between 1815 and 1972. However, this law excludes "military trophies" and items outside its defined chronological or typological scope, thereby preventing the return of the Baba Merzoug cannon, an emblematic war prize from 1830 currently held in Brest. Sebaihi argues that classifying plundered goods as "war property" is a legislative barrier preventing the return of Algerian heritage, stating that "the future is not built on war trophies." She emphasizes that maintaining symbols of conquest in French collections hinders the development of a harmonious bilateral relationship. Algeria is also seeking the return of other historical items, including personal objects of Emir Abdelkader, such as his Quran, saber, pistol, and command tent, as well as crucial administrative and diplomatic documents like the Treaties of Tafna and the Emir's army registers. Additionally, religious and intellectual manuscripts, including those of Sheikh Aheddad, and other regional resistance artifacts like the keys and standards of Laghouat, are being claimed.
The US Embassy in Algiers has announced the opening of applications for the Fulbright 2027 program, offering Algerian graduates, researchers, and young professionals the opportunity to study at American universities. This prestigious scholarship aims to strengthen academic ties between Algeria and the United States. To be eligible, applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree, demonstrate an excellent academic record, and possess a minimum of two years of professional experience. Proficiency in English is also required, along with meeting the criteria for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Applications are submitted online via the dedicated portal, https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2027, and must be completed by the deadline of Thursday, June 4, 2026. Incomplete applications or inaccurate information will lead to immediate disqualification.