Schools to Stay Open as Health Chiefs Say ‘Bouhamroun’ is Under Control

The spread of measles (bouhamroun) is stable and under control, according to both the Ministry of National Education and health officials. All steps are put in place to keep students and staff safe, they have said.

Health teams are monitoring the disease that has spread in schools in recent months and urge parents to follow safety advice and make sure their children are vaccinated. 

Imane El Khouhen, from the School Health Service, told the national broadcaster SNRT: “Cases are appearing in some days but not in others.” However, no major outbreaks have been found, and schools remain open. 

EL Kouhen confirmed studies are going ahead as usual. At the same time. A national measles vaccination push is in progress to bring the number of cases down. 

The latest figures show that over 8.88 million children under 18 have had their measles jabs, according to data the government shared last week.

Authorities launched a new online platform to help students who cannot attend school to catch up after they caught the disease or were not yet vaccinated. Health teams will keep an eye on these students to make sure they only return after all checks confirm they are free of infection. 

“Efforts are going well,” Dr. Mohammed Benazouz told SNRT.  “More parents are now getting their children vaccinated, but there are still some areas where people are hesitant.”

More work is needed to speed up the vaccination rollout, Benazouz warned, stressing that the goal is to stop further spread. 

The government has launched big campaigns on social and mainstream media to tell people why they must get the jab.

Minister of Health Amin Tahraoui said the government is working with other health groups to make sure vaccines stay available and to keep the country safe from future outbreaks.