Algeria's health authorities have rolled out national guidelines to tackle rising obesity rates in this North African country.
Obesity is on the rise in Algeria and is a major concern for Algerian health authorities.
Algeria's health ministry has introduced a national guide for obesity management, reaffirming the government's commitment to tackling the country's rising obesity rates. The document is intended to help healthcare professionals with prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
"Some statistics indicate that half of the adult population in Algeria suffers from obesity, and that women are among the affected groups, and it has even begun to affect children, which has prompted Algerian authorities to focus on confronting this epidemic," said Hamza Khirennas, a diabetology and endocrinology specialist.
For health officials, obesity is not just an issue of appearance or excess weight. It is also a chronic and complex disease associated with serious health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
Health practitioners have welcomed the government's efforts.
"The guidelines issued by the Algerian Ministry of Health fall within two points: the first is healthy food and the second is sports and continuous movement, meaning encouraging people to eat healthily and move more," said Khirennas.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, though some stress personal responsibility while others call for stronger regulation of the food industry.
"I personally work in administration and strive to find time for physical activity, which will be the best way to avoid the risks of obesity. I believe the solution lies in a balanced diet to prevent falling into this disease," said a resident.
"No matter how careful you are to make your lunch healthy, you will not be able to. The Algerian state must monitor the food industry chain more," said another resident.
Authorities are also calling for a coordinated national effort across multiple sectors such as education, agriculture, trade, and civil society to curb the public health challenge.
Algeria steps up fight against obesity as cases surge
China has always been a reliable friend to Latin American and Caribbean countries and stands ready to work with regional countries, including Brazil, to further deepen and expand overall China-Latin America cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during the fifth China-Brazil Foreign Ministerial-Level Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Beijing.
Wang said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have become increasingly global, strategic and far-reaching in influence.
"Practical cooperation across all fields has been steadily upgraded, and the two peoples have never been closer," he added.
Wang said the two sides should fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to advance the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, jointly counter various external challenges, and build greater synergy for each other's modernization drives and the unity and self-improvement of Global South countries.
Noting that China appreciates the Brazilian government's long-standing commitment to the one-China principle, Wang said China supports Brazil in safeguarding its national sovereignty, upholding independence and autonomy, and achieving greater development.
The two sides should advance exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, tourism, sports, sub-national areas, youth, media and other fields, Wang said, adding that it is important to strengthen communication and coordination under multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations and BRICS, earnestly implement the four major global initiatives, and promote the development of a more just and equitable global governance system.
Vieira stated that Brazil will always adhere to the one-China principle. He said Brazil looks forward to consolidating strategic mutual trust with China, deepening practical cooperation, cementing public support for bilateral ties, and achieving common prosperity.
Noting that both Brazil and China are important forces championing multilateralism and free trade, Vieira said Brazil is ready to work with China to enhance multilateral coordination, jointly advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and promote international fairness and justice.
China ready to work with Brazil to further expand overall China-Latin America cooperation: Chinese FM
China ready to work with Brazil to further expand overall China-Latin America cooperation: Chinese FM
