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Rabat – Mental health in Morocco has worsened over the past couple of years, with an estimated 26% of Moroccans aged 15 and above having suffered from depression at some point in their life, according to the Moroccan Network for the Defense of the Right to Health and the Right to Life.
The network’s data indicates that 9% of Moroccans suffer from anxiety in their lifetime, while 5.6% suffer from mental problems, and 1% suffer from schizophrenia. The network attributed the increase in mental health problems to several reasons, notably the COVID-19 crisis.
“There is no doubt that the rate of mental disorders in Morocco has increased significantly, due to the remnants of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the network, highlighting the increase in suicide rate in the country.
Other factors include deteriorating socio-economic conditions, including unemployment, family issues, divorce, domestic violence, and drug addiction, as well as physical, sexual, and mental abuse.
This “frightening and alarming” data calls for urgent intervention, the network urged, adding that the ministry of health should actively address mental health issues in Morocco and meet the demands of those suffering.
Shortcomings in mental healthcare
The network highlighted the Moroccan health system’s lack of financial and human capital, infrastructure, medicine, and rehabilitative care.
The capacity of psychiatric hospitals in Morocco provides only 2,500 beds between both public and private sectors. Approximately 50% of the beds are located in the regions of Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra.
“The situation is further exacerbated at the level of specialized and qualified human resources in the field of mental health,” added the source. Morocco possesses only 343 psychiatrists, 214 psychologists, 16 child psychiatrists, 1,335 psychiatric nurses, 14 social assistants, and 64 doctors that can provide addiction treatment.
The network argued that the overall 6% budget allocated to mental health programs does not meet the necessary requirements to implement the health ministry’s reforms.
Minister: Morocco Is Actively Dealing with Mental Health Issues
The network also highlighted the “stigma, discrimination, and violation of human rights” that Moroccans with mental disorders also suffer from, in a country that fails to prioritize mental health.
The network called on Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection to implement “effective measures” to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of Moroccans.
Suggestions included increasing the budget allocated to mental health reforms and investing in building and equipping hospitals and medical centers across all Moroccan regions.
The network also stressed the importance of investing in qualified human capital, raising awareness about mental health, as well as increasing access to healthcare for those who need it.
