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.
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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.
