HEALTH

Fight against tuberculosis: Algeria, "a reference" in Africa

ALGIERS- Eric Overvest, the UN Resident Coordinator in Algeria said Wednesday that Algeria was on the right track in the fight against tuberculosis which will allow it to become "a reference" in the African continent ".

Speaking during a study day on tuberculosis, organized by the Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform on the occasion of the world day against this disease, on March 24, Overvest underlined that "Algeria, which introduced anti-tuberculosis vaccination (BCG) in 1969, is fully committed to applying the World Health Organization (WHO) strategy in this area, which will enable it to completely eradicate the disease to become "a reference" in the African continent."

Stressing that the particular situation marked by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic "should not constitute an obstacle to the fight against tuberculosis," he called for tense efforts in terms of screening and achieve the United Nations objectives of sustainable development of the health field ".

He praised "Algeria's efforts in taking care of tuberculosis patients since independence and its commitment to reducing the prevalence rate".

Overvest said that the current situation linked to the spread of coronavirus constitutes "a precious opportunity to recognize the progress made in this regard," and to strengthen awareness campaigns aimed at ending this disease, which continues to claim lives worldwide.