Health & Education
From The Report: Algeria 2013
View in Online Reader

Access to health care is expected to improve as the government embarks on an ambitious programme of investment in health facilities. Between 2010 and 2014, the authorities plan to invest AD619bn (€5.69bn) to enhance the sector, with plans to renovate 320 health facilities and build 172 hospitals, 45 specialised centres, 377 polyclinics and 17 paramedical schools. In 2010 the government launched a five-year plan that would see AD852bn (€7.84bn) invested in the education sector. Reforms to expand the number of vocational training courses on offer to students at the secondary level are helping to alleviate the high youth unemployment rate.

This chapter contains interviews with Tarek Rabah, Middle East and Africa Vice-President, AstraZeneca; and Abdelatif Baba Ahmed, Minister of Education.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Accessing care: Investment in infrastructure helps meet demand in line with a shifting disease burden
OBG
plus

Since the country gained independence in 1962, Algeria’s health indicators have seen a significant improvement. Life expectancy at birth currently stands at 77.3 years for women and 76.6 for men, up from an average 49 years in 1962, and the country has a vaccination coverage of 98%. Nevertheless, chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer have come to constitute today’s main health burden. In a bid to improve access to quality health services, Algeria is investing AD619bn…

Interview

OBG talks to Tarek Rabah, Middle East & Africa Vice-President, AstraZeneca
OBG
plus

Interview:Tarek Rabah What scope do you see for increasing research and development (R&D) activity in emerging markets? TAREK RABAH: R&D investment requires economic stability and the implementation of health care regulations, as well as simple, clear investment processes. In emerging markets, stakeholders need to collaborate to establish and enhance R&D. Many of these markets require proper legislation to regulate R&D, or currently have slow processes of approval and implementation. Collaboration…

Analysis

Prevention and care: As non-communicable diseases rise, the government is investing in new specialist care facilities around the country
OBG
plus

A rapid increase in cancer prevalence has been seen in Algeria over the last 20 years, which the government is working to combat. The Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform reported over 40,000 new cases in 2012. Prevalence rates have risen from 80 cases per 100,000 people in the 1990s to 120 cases per 100,000 people by 2008, an increase of 50%. The change has been sparked by a number of factors, including demographic growth and urbanisation, changes in lifestyle and nutrition habits,…

Overview

A foundation for life: Private sector provision is expanding to absorb an increasing number of students
OBG
plus

Public education in Algeria is free and remains the primary provider of services. In 2010 the government allocated some AD852bn (€7.84bn) to a five-year investment plan, with much of this funding to go towards the construction of new schools. The delivery of new infrastructure is progressing slowly, resulting in continued overcrowding in certain wilayas(provinces) for younger classes. However, this is expected to be temporary, particularly once new reforms introduced at the primary level shorten…

Interview

Opportunities for success: OBG talks to Abdelatif Baba Ahmed, Minister of Education
OBG
plus

Interview:Abdelatif Baba Ahmed How does regional cooperation contribute towards the development of human capital? ABDELATIF BABA AHMED: For Algeria, the quality of human resources constitutes a major topic and a strategic factor for reaching sustainable development. Therefore, the development of human capital is essential as growth and socio-economic prosperity are increasingly tied to knowledge, this being the source of wealth and success in an increasingly interdependent world. The fulfilment…

Analysis

The future of learning: E-learning is gaining momentum and providing a potential solution to the expected rise in student numbers
OBG
plus

In the face of continued globalisation and rising competition, keeping up with technological change has become essential. Traditionally, information and communications technology (ICT) usage in Algeria has lagged behind its neighbours in terms of basic indicators, which has begun to create problems in terms of graduate employability. To ensure people acquire the necessary IT skills to compete in the modern economy, Algeria is increasing the use of ICT in education. LAYING THE FOUNDATION: Plans…