In Algeria, addiction, particularly among youth, has become a critical public health issue that is garnering increasing attention. For many young people, dependency on substances like cannabis and tobacco is a stark reality, and the path to recovery can often feel insurmountable. However, there is hope as the country strengthens its fight against addiction and moves toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
Brahim, a 14-year-old student, shares his personal struggle with addiction. “I came to seek help for my addiction to cannabis and tobacco,” he confides, “It was very difficult at first. I had trouble communicating with others, but the staff at the centre helped me gain confidence in myself.” For the past year, Brahim has attended therapy sessions at the local health centre in Cherchell, a town on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast. With the support of counselors and career guidance, he is learning to navigate the challenges of addiction while staying in school and not giving up hope for a better future.
Algeria’s commitment to addressing addiction among its population is reflected in recent statistics. More than 34,000 people, primarily aged between 16 and 35, sought treatment for addiction in 2023 alone. These figures highlight the severity of the issue and the urgency of taking action. The Ministry of Health has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to create public awareness campaigns that integrate addiction prevention and treatment into local health programmes across the country.
In 2023, Algeria took a significant step forward by hosting three regional meetings across 25 wilayas (local governments) to train over 500 health professionals, program managers, and civil society representatives. These meetings allowed local officials to identify specific needs, set priorities, and develop action plans tailored to their communities. The country’s efforts align with the SDG 3 targets, focusing on reducing addiction-related harm and improving health outcomes by 2025 and 2030.
One notable initiative is the microproject launched in Tipaza wilaya in 2023. This project, supported by WHO, aims to prevent addiction in schools and assist in the social and professional reintegration of individuals affected by substance use. Dr. Djama Lamia, an addiction specialist at the Cherchell health centre, explains, “We designed a programme that brings together various stakeholders, including school psychologists and epidemiologists, to primarily target young men, who are particularly vulnerable to polydrug use.” The project uses an intersectoral approach, involving education, vocational training, and local government, to provide comprehensive care.
Currently, 48 outpatient centres and five specialized medical facilities are working across the country to offer addiction treatment. These services are free and voluntary, ensuring that young people have access to the help they need without financial barriers. In addition to medical support, the Ministry of Health has expanded awareness campaigns, promoting healthy lifestyles and organizing support groups for families.
“Awareness-raising initiatives on the dangers of drugs, programmes promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as support groups involving parents, have been deployed on a large scale,” says Professor Mohamed Chakali, Deputy Director of Mental Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where addiction can be tackled at the root, reducing the stigma around seeking help and encouraging a culture of care.
Algeria’s approach to combating addiction is deeply tied to its broader goal of achieving the SDGs, particularly through strengthening local healthcare services and monitoring progress. Ouali Amar, Director of Population and Head of the SDG unit at the Ministry of Health, highlights the importance of tracking the success of interventions in all 58 wilayas, saying, “Measuring the SDG 3 targets across the wilayas is essential for tracking progress toward universal health coverage.”
Brahim’s journey towards recovery reflects the potential for change. “I still have a long way to go, but I know I can make it,” he says confidently. His experience highlights the vital role of community-based healthcare in helping young people overcome addiction. With the right support systems in place, Algeria is taking significant strides toward achieving the SDG 3 targets and ensuring that more young people, like Brahim, can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
