President’s Editorial

The Algerian Society of Pulmonology (SAP) is a scientific society founded on February 8, 2023. Its mission is to build upon the legacy of our predecessors in the years following Algeria’s independence, at a time when tuberculosis posed a major public health threat, and to accompany the ongoing development of respiratory medicine in Algeria. Since its creation, SAP has brought together pulmonologists of all levels and practice settings, as well as general practitioners and specialists from other disciplines, with a clear objective: to promote pulmonology in all its dimensions — scientific research, knowledge dissemination, the development of clinical guidelines, and the implementation of programs to combat respiratory diseases — while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient care. SAP is also committed to prevention, by raising awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals about respiratory health risks, encouraging protective behaviors, and promoting a healthy environment, which is essential to reducing risk factors and improving quality of life. SAP also encourages the adoption of innovative techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases and supports the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as a complementary tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize therapeutic strategies, and improve the quality of care. To achieve its goals, SAP provides continuous training programs for pulmonologists, general practitioners, and other healthcare professionals involved in respiratory care. Each year, the society organizes numerous scientific events: the national congress, regional scientific days on various themes, as well as conferences, workshops, and presentations. Many of these activities are conducted in collaboration with other learned societies, both in Algeria and abroad, thereby contributing directly to the improvement of clinical practices and recommendations in pulmonology. Thanks to the work of its Scientific Committee, SAP has also launched key reference publications, including the Algerian Journal of Respiratory Diseases and the bulletin Le Souffle de la Pneumologie. In summary, SAP plays — and will continue to play — a major role in structuring, advancing, and promoting pulmonology in Algeria, in the service of public health, prevention, a healthy environment, and innovation, for the benefit of healthcare professionals and patients alike.

With my Sincere Regards
President of the Algerian Society of Pulmonology
Pr Merzak GHARNAOUT