Health & Education
From The Report: Algeria 2015
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Over the past five decades Algeria has made significant progress in the provision of health care to its citizens and tackling communicable diseases. Although basic health indicators have improved and living standards have risen, the country has witnessed an increase in chronic diseases, a common occurrence in a number of emerging markets, and these now represent the main burden on the health care system. While many countries in the region struggle to finance health infrastructure and services, Algeria – on the back of years of high oil revenues – has been able to divert significant funds into the expansion of clinics, hospitals and preventative care in a bid to improve overall health indicators. Algeria continues to pursue its ambitions to upgrade the overall quality of education nationwide. Although results are slow to come by, the sector has made some headway over the years with school enrolment rates at the primary and secondary levels exceeding 97% and illiteracy rates dropping to 14% in 2014, down from 22% in 2008. This comes on the back of sustained efforts on behalf of the government to boost schooling capacities through enhanced infrastructure, teacher training, aligning offerings with the needs of the job market, as well as reaching out and raising awareness on the importance of education in disadvantaged areas. This chapter contains interviews with Abdelmalek Boudiaf, Minister of Health; Habib Bennaceur, ‎North West Africa President, AstraZeneca; and Mohamed Mebarki, Minister of Training and Professional Education.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A focal point: Investing in improving infrastructure and facilitating growth in a local pharmaceuticals industry
OBG
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Over the past five decades Algeria has made significant progress in the provision of health care to its citizens and tackling communicable diseases. Although basic health indicators have improved and living standards have risen, the country has witnessed an increase in chronic diseases, a common occurrence in a number of emerging markets, and these now represent the main burden on the country’s health care system. While many countries in the region struggle to finance health infrastructure and…

Interview

Finding the cures: OBG talks to Abdelmalek Boudiaf, Minister of Health
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Interview: Abdelmalek Boudiaf What were the main gaps that were identified following the recent audits on the health sector? ABDELMALEK BOUDIAF: The audits have allowed us to identify weaknesses in two specific areas: the management and the organisation of the national health system. In parallel with the drafting of a new law to improve the management of the national health system, an action plan for the near- and mid-term was developed. This focuses on the following issues: managing cardiovascular…

Interview

Medicines made locally: Habib Bennaceur, ‎North West Africa President, AstraZeneca
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Interview:Habib Bennaceur What medium-term effects will the new limitations on imports of pharmaceuticals have? HABIB BENNACEUR: The key impact of the measures to reduce imports will be an acceleration in the local production of pharmaceuticals. They may also motivate firms that have so far been hesitant to make the investments necessary to produce locally. These new regulations should serve to strengthen the industrial fabric of the country. Since I began working in Algeria’s pharmaceutical…

Overview

Lesson plan: Emphasis is now on infrastructure, staffing and enhancing technical skills and training
OBG
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Algeria continues to pursue its ambitions to upgrade the overall quality of education nationwide. Although results are slow to come by, the sector has made some headway over the years with school enrolment rates at the primary and secondary levels exceeding 97% and illiteracy rates dropping to 14% in 2014, down from 22% in 2008. This comes on the back of sustained efforts on behalf of the government to boost schooling capacities through enhanced infrastructure, teacher training, aligning offerings…

Interview

Early knowledge: OBG talks to Mohamed Mebarki, Minister of Training and Professional Education
OBG
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Interview: Mohamed Mebarki What is needed to spur the development of vocational training over the medium term in Algeria? MOHAMED MEBARKI: One of the key strategies in the medium-term, is encouraging greater involvement from companies in the training process. This has many advantages, as it is considered the most cost-effective training method, one that suits the needs and realities of the workplace in this region. Strategies to reinforce professional training in Algeria are supported by Instruction…