Like many other developing countries, Algeria is undergoing a transition in its disease  profile. The emergence of non-communicable diseases, including obesity-driven type 2
diabetes, is forcing a shift in healthcare policy towards the prevention and effective management of chronic conditions. Algeria is a vast country, the second largest in Africa  after Sudan. The current population is around 33 million, about 70% of whom live in the northern, coastal region; the minority who live in the Sahara are mainly concentrated in oases, while around 1.5million are nomadic communities. Almost 30% of Algerians are under 15 years of age. These geographical and demographic characteristics reflect the organizational problems confronting healthcare planners and providers, particularly in terms of the chronic-disease risks faced by a young population that is getting younger.