The Middle East and North Africa region is facing political and humanitarian crises that have destabilized the region and have had an impact on social and economic development in the most affected countries. However, despite setbacks in certain areas, health continues to be a priority. Algeria stands out as one of the countries in the region with the most advanced health responses, particularly to the AIDS epidemic.

During a visit to Algeria from 12 to 14 January, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé commended governments in the region for recently adopting the Algiers Declaration, an important tool for ending the AIDS epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa. One of the key components of the declaration calls for scaling up HIV testing and treatment services in the Middle East and North Africa, especially among vulnerable populations, mainly injecting drug users, men who have sex with men and sex workers. Currently, testing and treatment coverage are low in the region.

Speaking at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations, Mr Sidibé said, “If in the next five years 90% of people living with HIV know their status, the region will certainly manage to enable 90% of people who know their HIV-positive status to access life-saving treatment by 2020.” In his keynote speech, Mr Sidibé also recognized Algeria’s role in accelerating the AIDS response in the country and championing the Algiers Declaration in the region.

Algeria has recently introduced HIV testing at all health-care facilities and has adopted a law criminalizing all forms of violence against women. In addition, the country has significantly increased antiretroviral therapy coverage, mostly relying on domestic funds.

During his mission, Mr Sidibé visited the Institut Pasteur in Algeria and the National Laboratory for the Control of Pharmaceutical Products, part of the Algiers Centre of Excellence for Research on Health and HIV/AIDS.

“The Institut Pasteur is a centre with a continental potential for research, diagnostics, training and medicine production,” said Mr Sidibé. He added that it is time for Africa to produce its medicines and develop its technological and scientific infrastructure.

During the visit, Mr Sidibé met with the Minister of Health, Abdelmalek Boudiaf, and spoke about the strong and productive partnership between the Government of Algeria and UNAIDS. Mr Sidibé congratulated Algeria for its people-centred approach to health and its commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic. “Universal access to health care is in the Algerian constitution,” Mr Boudiaf said.