Latest news with #Tahraoui
Maroc
2 days ago
- Health
- Maroc
Morocco Reiterates in Kigali Commitment to African Health Sovereignty
Morocco reaffirmed on Wednesday in Kigali its commitment to African health sovereignty and to the progressive and inclusive implementation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Speaking at the 2nd ordinary session of the Conference of the States Parties to the AMA Treaty, held on June 2-4, Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui hailed the creation of the Agency as a major step towards the continent's health sovereignty, enabling better access to safe, effective and quality medicines. To Morocco, this continental momentum is a source of inspiration and an opportunity for regulatory convergence,' the Minister emphasized, stressing the importance of an approach tailored to the institutional and regulatory realities of each country, based on listening, consultation and respect for national priorities. Tahraoui then called for the progressive harmonization of regulatory frameworks, the establishment of regular consultation mechanisms between national authorities and AMA, and the reinforcement of technical and human capacities on a continental scale. Tahraoui also pointed out that by end 2024, the Kingdom had achieved 88% coverage in compulsory health insurance, adding that 11 million people benefited from direct state support. A $4.2 billion health infrastructure modernization program is underway, he stated, adding that the number of university hospital centers will go from 6 to 12, while 79 new hospitals are under construction, and 1,439 primary health centers are being renovated, 70% of them in rural areas. On the industrial front, Tahraoui noted that Morocco is the continent's second-largest pharmaceutical producer, with 56 industrial units covering 70% of national needs and exports to over 45 African countries. With regard to the appointment of AMA's future Director General, Tahraoui spoke of Morocco's respect to the institutional process currently underway and full confidence in the competent commission to carry it out, in all transparency and impartiality. (MAP: 04 June 2025)
Morocco World
27-05-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Measles Cases Drop 80% in Morocco as Vaccination Coverage Reaches 95%
Doha – Morocco has recorded an 80% decrease in measles cases compared to the peak registered 16 weeks ago, according to Health and Social Protection Minister Amine Tahraoui. Speaking at the House of Representatives in Rabat on Monday, Tahraoui announced that the national weekly incidence rate has fallen to just one case per 100,000 people. This reduction comes as a result of an intensive vaccination campaign implemented by the ministry following the initial outbreak. The campaign has successfully pushed the national vaccination coverage rate above 95% among children under 18 years old, meeting the threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The health ministry has been working since the first cases appeared to develop a comprehensive national plan to combat the spread of measles, accompanied by various field measures. As of May 16, authorities had verified the vaccination status of more than 10.76 million children under 18, representing 98.57% of the target population. Through this process, 754,202 unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children were identified. Through a large-scale field mobilization, 586,912 of these children have now been vaccinated, achieving a completion rate of approximately 78%. This has helped reduce the vaccination gap and limit the spread of the epidemic. The campaign has enabled the administration of a total of 801,702 doses of measles vaccine, including booster and preventive doses. Read also: 'Bouhemroun': Measles Outbreak Claims Lives in Morocco's Remote Regions The recent measles outbreak in Morocco hit concerning levels. WHO reported that from October 1, 2023, to April 13, 2025, the North African country saw over 25,000 suspected measles cases across all 12 regions, including 13,706 confirmed infections and 184 deaths. The resurgence of measles, which had almost disappeared in Morocco, was largely attributed to the rise of anti-vaccine sentiments. Health officials noted that the global anti-vaccination movement influenced Moroccan parents, despite the country having measles vaccination programs in place since the 1960s. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates decreased due to lockdowns and fears of infection in hospitals. Some parents developed a 'vaccine phobia' following the pandemic, requiring health workers to conduct interviews explaining the benefits of vaccination. The government responded with awareness campaigns in schools and public warnings about false information spreading on social media, including misleading claims that the measles vaccine was actually a fourth dose of the COVID vaccine. The Ministry of Health plans to maintain these gains by continuing campaigns and awareness activities, taking into account the local specificities of different regions across the country. The ministry also mentioned strengthening the technical, managerial, and communication skills of health personnel, as well as accelerating the digitization of the information system, currently in a pilot phase, to create a national vaccination registry. Tags: measlesMeasles Vaccination
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
WHO Commends Morocco's Health Reforms, Continental Leadership
Doha – Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, met in Rabat today with Hanane Hassan Balkhi, the World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Middle East. Their talks focused on reinforcing partnership between Morocco and the WHO. During the meeting, Tahraoui detailed Morocco's comprehensive health system reform under King Mohammed VI's guidance. The reform aims to restructure the healthcare system, improve social justice in healthcare access, and broaden medical coverage and social protection. Tahraoui pointed to Morocco's emergence as a regional center for health programs and its ability to serve as a key partner in implementing global health initiatives. This position builds on the country's expertise, modern health infrastructure, and dedication to international cooperation in addressing health challenges and achieving sustainable development goals. Morocco has made noticeable progress in maternal health, achieving a 70% reduction in maternal mortality over two decades. The rate decreased from 244 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 72 deaths by 2020, reflecting substantial improvements in medical training and healthcare delivery. The country is taking steps to address workforce shortages in healthcare, aiming to increase the ratio of health professionals from the current 18 per 10,000 people to 45 per 10,000 by 2030, meeting WHO standards. By 2025, Morocco plans to increase available health positions to 6,500, up from 4,000 in 2019. Read also: Morocco Accelerates Health Sector Digitalization with Strategic Partnerships at GITEX Africa 2025 Morocco has also begun developing a comprehensive national mental health strategy to address growing needs, with nearly 49% of Moroccans expected to experience psychological disorders during their lifetime. The country currently has about 3,230 mental health professionals serving the population. The government is additionally working on reforming the Basic Compulsory Health Insurance system, with plans to centralize management under the National Social Security Fund to streamline services and expand coverage to more citizens, including students and those unable to afford membership fees. Balkhi voiced WHO's support for Morocco's health system reform, acknowledging the royal vision directed at advancing health and backing healthcare sovereignty in Africa. She noted the value of strengthening collaboration between Morocco and the WHO to reach shared public health goals and develop health systems regionally. The WHO official called for increased cooperation to initiate new projects, noting Morocco's function as a link between the organization and African countries and as a model in public health and international cooperation. In a separate event the same day, Tahraoui officially welcomed the 82-member Moroccan medical team that will support pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The delegation comprises doctors, nurses, and administrators from both the Ministry of Health and the Royal Armed Forces' health services. Tags: amine tahraouiMoroccan Ministry of HealthWorld Health Organization
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Sends 82-Member Medical Team to Support Pilgrims During Hajj
Rabat – In a ceremony held Monday in Rabat, Health Minister Amine Tahraoui officially welcomed the Moroccan medical mission set to accompany pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The mission's sole goal is to ensure Moroccan pilgrims receive proper medical care throughout their stay in the holy sites. The delegation includes 82 professionals, doctors, nurses, and administrators, drawn from both the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Royal Armed Forces' health services. Their task goes beyond standard medical support. They are expected to stand by the pilgrims in moments of need, provide guidance, administer care, and offer reassurance far from home. Minister Tahraoui reminded the medical team of the responsibility they carry, not only as healthcare professionals but as representatives of Morocco. He urged them to approach their mission with integrity, compassion, and a spirit of service. The task ahead, he said, demands more than clinical expertise, it calls for attentiveness, empathy, and a constant readiness to assist. He stressed the importance of early intervention and awareness. Preventive care, he noted, holds equal weight to treatment. He encouraged the team to remain close to the pilgrims, offer guidance, and help prevent health complications before they arise. Their role also involves monitoring existing health conditions, offering psychological support, and reacting promptly to emergencies. Lamiae Chakiri, regional health director for Souss-Massa and head of this year's medical mission, expressed confidence in the team's ability to meet the demands of the pilgrimage. Before departure, regional health offices across Morocco carried out medical screenings and administered vaccinations. An online platform has also been set up to keep pilgrims informed and connected to the health services available to them abroad. The support system does not end with the team. The ministry has deployed medical points in key locations across Mecca and Medina, seven fixed centers and several mobile units. Referral teams will assist pilgrims in hospitals, while awareness teams will offer advice and answer questions. A new digital system will allow doctors to track each patient's medical file in real time and detect any potential outbreaks. To give pilgrims more control over their health, the ministry has prepared individual kits containing portable medical tools, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and glucose meters, alongside face masks and hand sanitizers. As thousands of Moroccans prepare for a physically and emotionally demanding journey, the medical mission stands ready to ensure their safety and well-being. Tags: HajjHajj 2025hajj moroccoHajj season
Morocco World
17-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Cuts Medication Costs, Including Cancer Treatments
Rabat – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reduced prices on several medications, including those for certain types of cancer. Regulators weighed price requests from pharmaceutical companies before approving the new prices. The move applies to original medicines and generic and biosimilar drugs that are available in Morocco. The ministry aims to make treatments necessary for patients who are fighting severe diseases more accessible. Among the medications affected by the revision is AFINITOR 5mg, used in cancer treatment, whose price dropped from MAD 16,280 ($1,630) to MAD 11,832 ($1,185) for a box of 30 tablets. Cefico 200mg, an antibiotic, also saw a price reduction from MAD 91.50 ($9.15) to MAD 88.90 ($8.90) for a box of eight tablets. The decision is a component of an expansive program to strengthen Morocco's healthcare system and lessen the economic burden placed upon patients needing lengthy medical treatment. Health Minister Amine Tahraoui announced last month that the prices of 190 chronic disease medications would drop soon, as a series of recent price reductions. The government recently reduced prices for 169 additional drugs, predominantly chronic diseases. The price of more than 5,350 drugs has dropped since 2021. Addressing Parliament, Tahraoui acknowledged that despite the 2023 reform capping drug prices, pharmaceutical costs remain a contentious issue. By setting prices in motion, authorities wish to reduce the cost pressure for patients and make life-saving drugs affordable.
