Dr. Shenaaz El-Halabi, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Representative in South Africa, held talks with His Excellency Ali Achoui, Algeria’s Ambassador to South Africa.

The meeting, hosted in Pretoria, focused on shared public health priorities, including ongoing dialogue, partnership, and collaboration between the two nations. Dr. El-Halabi extended congratulations to Algeria for successfully hosting the African Ministerial Conference on Local Production of Medicines and Health Technologies in November 2025, where 29 countries adopted the groundbreaking Algiers Declaration. This declaration outlines 13 commitments to bolster local manufacturing, regulatory harmonization, and equitable access to medicines, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and addressing vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19.

Ambassador Achoui highlighted Algeria’s leadership, noting its pharmaceutical industry meets over 82% of national needs through more than 230 local manufacturers. The discussions underscored the need for resilient health systems across Africa, with WHO pledging support for technology transfer and innovation. This encounter signals stronger bilateral ties, potentially accelerating continental efforts for health sovereignty and universal coverage. As Africa grapples with ongoing challenges like antimicrobial resistance, such partnerships are vital for a healthier future.