Algerian Health Minister Mohamed Sadik Ait Masoudan has emphasized the government's dedication to improving cancer care in the country. Speaking at the launch of a national campaign to intensify early detection of breast cancer, Ait Masoudan highlighted efforts to increase the number of treatment facilities and integrate innovative technologies. The minister's remarks were read by the ministry's Secretary General, Mohamed Talahi.
Ait Masoudan stressed the government's commitment to mobilizing necessary human, material, and financial resources to enhance the quality of care and provide accessible health services to citizens. The minister noted that October, marked as "Pink October," serves as a national platform to reaffirm the government's commitment to combating cancer, particularly breast cancer, through prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and specialized care.
According to the Health Ministry, Algeria records 14,074 new breast cancer cases annually, accounting for 45% of cancer cases among women. This makes breast cancer the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, with an average age of diagnosis at 47 years. Ait Masoudan highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen the national capacity for cancer care, citing 15 cancer treatment centers, 24 radiation therapy services, and 61 linear accelerators.
The minister announced plans to open new radiation therapy services and acquire 16 linear accelerators by 2028. He also noted that the national treatment arsenal has been expanded to include 52 innovative treatments. Furthermore, a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner will be operational in Tizi Ouzou province by the end of the year.
Ait Masoudan revealed that the government has allocated 73 billion Algerian dinars to the National Cancer Fund, with an annual increase of 40 billion dinars. He emphasized that this national mobilization reflects the "special care" given by the President of the Republic to citizens' health and the fight against cancer as a national issue.
The minister's statement underscores the government's commitment to addressing cancer as a priority health issue. Algeria's efforts to improve cancer care are part of a broader strategy to enhance the national health system and provide quality services to citizens.
The launch of the national campaign to intensify early detection of breast cancer aims to raise awareness and promote preventive measures. The campaign's slogan, "We are all united against cancer," reflects the government's call to action for citizens to join efforts in combating the disease.
Key points
- The Algerian government has allocated 73 billion dinars to the National Cancer Fund, with an annual increase of 40 billion dinars.
- Algeria records 14,074 new breast cancer cases annually, accounting for 45% of cancer cases among women.
- The country plans to open new radiation therapy services and acquire 16 linear accelerators by 2028.
