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Rabat – Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), through its National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, has conducted field visits to assess health conditions in detention centers across the country following reported cases of measles.
After gathering initial data from the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration, the CNDH decided to strengthen its monitoring efforts and enhance preventive measures to protect detainees from the disease, said CNDH in a statement.
As part of this initiative, a team from the council carried out a first visit to Tangier 2 Local Prison on January 28. A second visit followed at Kenitra Central Prison on February 3.
The main goal of these visits is to evaluate the measures taken to contain the spread of the disease and ensure the health and safety of individuals deprived of their freedom, especially in facilities where the risk of infection is higher, added the statement.
The CNDH team commended the prison administration for its swift and effective response, particularly through an ongoing voluntary vaccination campaign and preventive isolation of infected prisoners and staff members.
Further visits are planned to monitor infection risks in juvenile protection centers and elderly care facilities.
The country saw an alarming rise in measles cases and related deaths in recent months, especially among children.
In response, Morocco has mobilized health professionals to thoroughly examine suspected cases and recommend necessary measures, such as school exclusion for infected students.
Relevant authorities would issue a medical certificate to confirm the exclusion when required, according to a circular from the ministry of education.
The Ministry of Health recently announced opening measles vaccination for adults, a move that expands its previous campaign which only targeted children under 18.
Measles cases have risen significantly in Morocco in recent years due to a decline in vaccination rates, largely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the health crisis, routine immunization programs were disrupted and many people missed their scheduled vaccines.
