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Morocco World
22-07-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco's Interior Minister Slams Media Campaign Over Stray Dogs Issue
Rabat — Morocco's Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, has denounced what he called a 'coordinated media campaign' targeting the country over its handling of stray dogs. He said this campaign intensified after Morocco was selected to host major international sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Laftit said the campaign spreads false claims and misrepresents the reality on the ground. 'The reports focus heavily on stray dogs and accuse authorities of inhumane practices without acknowledging the real efforts made to protect public health and animal rights,' he told members of the House of Advisors. Laftit explained that stray animals, especially dogs, pose serious public health risks. In 2024, over 100,000 cases of bites and scratches were recorded. Rabies alone caused 33 deaths last year. Authorities also recorded 432 cases of hydatid disease and 64 cases of leishmaniasis. To address the issue, the government signed a partnership agreement in 2019 with the Ministry of Health, ONSSA, and the national veterinary body. The program focuses on scientific approaches, including surgical sterilization, rabies vaccination, and the creation of animal shelters. So far, Morocco has built or is building 20 shelters, with one already operating in Rabat. The government allocated MAD 240 million ($ 26,58 million) over five years to support this effort. A mobile veterinary unit in Kenitra has also been launched as a pilot project, offering treatment, vaccination, and temporary shelter for stray dogs. Laftit said his department also allocates MAD 40 million ($ 4.43 million) annually to the Pasteur Institute to provide vaccines and antiserums, while local authorities contribute an additional MAD 40 million ($ 4.43 million) to support health centers across the country. The Moroccan government approved on July 10 a draft law on protecting stray animals, particularly dogs, providing protection from the dangers they may pose to the public.
Morocco World
16-07-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Expands Social Protection Coverage to Over 11 Million Citizens
Rabat — More than 11.4 million Moroccan citizens now receive basic mandatory health insurance for people unable to pay contributions, Morocco's head of government Aziz Akhannouch announced Tuesday. Speaking during an oral questions session at the House of Advisors Akhannouch said that over 4 million households — representing more than 11.4 million people — benefit from the AMO-Tadamon program as of June 2025. The program provides free healthcare and hospitalization at public facilities, and the same services offered by the National Social Security Fund when households choose private establishments. The government covers contribution payments for these households at MAD 9.5 billion ($ 1.05 billion) annually to ensure the program's sustainability. Health insurance coverage among Moroccans jumped from 42.2% before the program launched to 88% currently. The prime minister also reported that nearly 4 million households received direct social aid by the end of April, covering 12 million people. He outlined that recipients include 5.5 million children, over one million people aged 60 and above, and more than 420,000 widows, including nearly 340,000 without children. Total aid distributed through the program exceeds MAD 34 billion ($ 3.75 billion) since its launch. Speaking of social protection spending, Akhannouch said it will reach MAD 39 billion ($ 4.3 billion) in 2025 and over MAD 41 billion ($ 4.53 billion) in 2026, up from approximately MAD 32 billion ($ 3.53 billion) in 2024. The government expanded retirement plan enrollment to guarantee professional and social futures for active workers and will implement unemployment compensation for employed workers before the end of this year to ensure their social and economic stability, he noted. Healthcare and education investments Morocco launched comprehensive health system reforms to strengthen sector efficiency and improve medical care nationwide. The health budget increased 65% from MAD 19.7 billion ($ 2.17 billion) in 2021 to MAD 32.6 billion ($ 3.6 billion) in 2025, the head of government said. For education, the government is implementing the 2022-2026 education reform roadmap, allocating over MAD 85 billion ($ 9.39 billion) for 2025 with an additional MAD 9.5 billion ($ 1.04 billion) planned annually through 2027, he noted. Wage increases The government approved significant salary increases for approximately 4.25 million citizens — 1.25 million civil servants and 3 million private sector employees — at a total cost exceeding MAD 45 billion ($ 4.97 billion) through 2026. The increases include a general salary raise of MAD 1,000 ($ 110.5)net monthly in two stages, a 15% increase in the minimum wage for non-agricultural activities, and higher minimum wages for agricultural workers. Akhannouch stressed that strengthening social state foundations represents a political and strategic choice the government prioritized from the beginning of its mandate, reflecting King Mohammed VI's ambitious social project for a modern social state that guarantees all Moroccans' right to decent living. Tags: health insuranceMoroccoSocial coverage protection
Ya Biladi
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
France to boost consular services in Sahara, French Senate President says
Estimated read time: 1' During his official visit to Morocco, French Senate President Gérard Larcher announced plans to expand France's consular presence in the Sahara. «Our consular activities will be extended there», Larcher stated during a speech delivered on Monday evening in Laayoune, in the presence of Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the House of Advisors, the President of the Laayoune region, and other notable figures from the city. He also emphasized, «The launch of the French Alliance in Laayoune reflects our country's commitment to cultural and educational engagement in your regions». ? C'est officiel... Le président du Sénat français, Gérard Larcher, annonce à Laâyoune qu'une "orientation consulaire sera bientôt mise en œuvre au Sahara Marocain" ?????? #Maroc #المغرب_أولا #Morocco #Macron #SaharaMarocain #Dakhla — Morocco First ?? (@TheRealMarroqui) February 24, 2025 This move aligns with France's intent to deepen cooperation with Morocco in the southern provinces. It follows France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara in a letter signed by President Emmanuel Macron last summer. This recognition was followed by a visit from Macron to Morocco and a recent one by French Culture Minister to the Kingdom's southern provinces. During his visit this week, Larcher reaffirmed France's unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, calling it «non-negotiable». Before heading to Laayoune, Larcher met with Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and attended a joint press conference following discussions with Mohamed Ould Errachid, the Speaker of Morocco's Upper House. Larcher noted that the purpose of his visit was to begin a «new parliamentary chapter» in the evolving relationship between the two countries.
Morocco World
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Calls for Respect of Gaza Ceasefire
Rabat – Morocco has once again proved its commitment to support the Palestinian cause and people. The North African country has reiterated its call for a just solution to the Palestinian cause, describing it as fundamental to establishing lasting peace in the Middle East. Deputy Speaker of Morocco's House of Advisors Ahmde Akhchichen made his country's significant address at the 7th Conference of the Arab Parliament and Heads of Arab Councils and Parliaments in Cairo. Speaking at the conference, Akhchichen noted that the complex situation surrounding the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of Israel's genocide on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has reinforced Morocco's determination to pursue a fair resolution. 'The Palestinian cause continues to be the primary and central issue for all Arab peoples,' he said at the Arab League headquarters. The Moroccan delegation — which included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nadia Touhami, and a member of the House of Advisors Mohamed Bakouri — participated in adopting a unified parliamentary action plan to support Palestinian resilience. Echoing Morocco's position, Akhchichen called for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Palestinian prisoners, the return of the displaced, and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. Notably, the deputy speaker reaffirmed the country's dedication under King Mohammed VI's leadership, as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, to preserve Jerusalem's legal, historical, and cultural status. Through the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, Morocco continues to implement humanitarian and social projects aimed at maintaining the holy city's cultural identity and supporting its residents. Read also: Morocco Reaffirms Solidarity with Palestinian Cause 'Morocco's position has always been, and continues to be, one of complete support for the Palestinian people's struggle to reclaim their legitimate rights and establish their independent, sovereign state in accordance with relevant international resolutions,' Akhchichen added. The Arab Parliament adopted yesterday a significant official parliamentary document that reaffirms support for the Palestinian people. The document also rejects their displacement or annexation and opposes efforts to undermine the Palestinian cause. These calls come at a time when US President Donald Trump, aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has made controversial proposals to 'take over' Gaza and forcibly displace its residents — plans that have been strongly condemned by the international community to be threatening ethnic cleansing. The conference also addressed broader regional cooperation, with Morocco putting stress on its commitment to fostering Arab relations through various mechanisms and political consultations.
