Beni Mellal-Khenifra: Morocco, Korea’s KOICA Partner to Improve Maternal, Child Health

The World Bank has recently commended Morocco’s efforts in tackling maternal and child mortality, but acknowledged that challenges persist, especially in rural areas.

Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Health and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have signed a $11 million deal to improve maternal and child health in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region.

A statement from the Korean company said the agreement was signed on June 26, marking the “beginning of a $11 million initiative funded by KOICA.”

The initiative will be implemented over four years from 2025 to 2029, the statement said, noting that the project seeks to reduce preventable maternal, neonatal, and child mortality in the region.

It also seeks to improve nutrition care service in rural areas in the region, the press release indeed, conveying KOICA’s determination to support the implementation of technical on-site capacity-building training and health equipment and performance monitoring in low-performing health facilities.

The project is part of the company’s expansion after the “successful implementation” of a project in the Tetouan-Tangier-Al Hoceima region.

Hyewon Cho, Country Director of KOICA, commented on the agreement, noting that the partnership highlighted Korea’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s healthcare system.

“KOICA stands ready to be a key partner in strengthening primary health services in Beni-Mellal-Khenifra,” Cho said.

According to the company, Morocco’s Ministry of Health is expected to provide full administrative and technical support to ensure the implementation of the project, highlighting both parties’ determination to engage to achieve project goals and ensure sustainability.

In May, the World Bank shed light on Morocco’s genuine efforts to tackle maternal and infant mortality rates.

Despite the commendable efforts, however, the World Bank acknowledged that this issue continues to be an issue affecting the country, especially in rural areas.

“Out of 100,000 live births in 2018, 111 mothers died in rural areas compared with 45 in urban areas,” the World Bank said, noting that there were also 26 deaths per 1,000 births in rural areas compared with 19 in urban areas.