On Tuesday, Algeria’s Minister of Health, Abdelhak Saihi, met with Natasha Van Rijn, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Algeria, to reinforce the ongoing collaboration between Algeria and UN agencies, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting focused on reviewing the strategic partnership formed during the pandemic through the “Solidarity Response” project, which demonstrated the essential role of international cooperation in managing public health crises. The discussions centered on advancing this partnership in line with Algeria’s national health priorities, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening future collaborations.
A significant point of discussion was Algeria’s role in providing comprehensive healthcare to refugees and displaced persons, particularly those entering the country. Minister Saihi assured that all refugees would receive essential medical services, including vaccination, to prevent potential health crises in the region.
Additionally, Minister Saihi presented Algeria’s proposal for the creation of an international vaccination center, emphasizing the country’s commitment to global health security. He highlighted the potential for UN agencies to offer technical support for this initiative, positioning Algeria as a key player in disease prevention efforts across the region.
The meeting underscored Algeria’s renewed commitment to global health initiatives and reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts to address regional health challenges and improve healthcare accessibility. The strengthened partnership between Algeria and the UNDP is expected to play a crucial role in the region’s health and development.