A rare and undiagnosed health condition affecting an entire family in northern Algeria has drawn attention from medical authorities and the public, raising concerns about the country’s capacity to detect and manage rare diseases.

The case, reported in the province of Blida, involves a family of five—two parents and three children—who have exhibited symptoms including progressive muscle weakness, neurological complications, and metabolic irregularities. Local doctors suspect a hereditary disorder, but the exact diagnosis remains unclear due to limited access to specialized genetic testing.

Health officials have confirmed that the family is receiving care at a regional hospital, and samples have been sent to international laboratories for further analysis. The Ministry of Health has not yet released the name of the suspected condition but acknowledged the urgency of the case.

This incident comes just weeks after Algeria’s Health Minister Abdelhak Saïhi unveiled a national strategy for rare diseases, backed by a 30 billion dinar annual budget, aimed at improving early diagnosis and equitable treatment. The plan includes the creation of a national health database and partnerships with patient advocacy groups.

Medical experts say the Blida case highlights the need for advanced diagnostic infrastructure and genetic counseling services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocacy groups have called for accelerated implementation of the national plan and greater public awareness of rare diseases.