Rabat – The Moroccan Health Ministry and Pfizer Laboratories operating in Morocco have signed two partnership agreements, seeking to support the implementation of universal health coverage.
Minister of Health Khalid Ait Taleb chaired the signing ceremony on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health said in a statement, stressing that “the initiative is part of the support for the implementation of the universal health coverage launched by King Mohammed VI.”
The agreements also seek to fight against antimicrobial resistance, the ministry added.
The first agreement between the ministry and Pfizer laboratories aims to define the terms and conditions of partnership between the two parties. It also seeks to contribute to the success of the universal health coverage projects through the improvement of management and health care.
The agreement also seeks to strengthen Morocco’s health ecosystem and support access to innovative medicines.
Morocco has been reiterating pledges to continue improving its healthcare system through adopting a universal health coverage system.
The pledges come amid several challenges affecting Moroccans’ access to healthcare.
A recent report from the Arab Barometer finds that as little as 23% of Moroccans are completely satisfied with the country’s health system in 2022.
The report’s data shows that 39% of people with a higher income are more satisfied with the country’s healthcare, compared to 12% of Moroccans who fall into lower income brackets.
The ministry’s agreements with Pfizer Laboratories Morocco include a deal that seeks to help support Moroccan hospitals’ microbiological analysis laboratories.
The agreement, which is part of the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance, also seeks to support health professionals’ skills through education training in the medical and biological fields.
The agreement also seeks to contribute to the development of Morocco’s scientific research.
Morocco and Pfizer developed their health cooperation during the COVID-19 crisis. Throughout the time of the pandemic, Morocco received millions of Pfizer vaccine doses to help the country tackle the health crisis and vaccinate more of its population.
