At a glance: Morocco

The big picture

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This map does not reflect a position by UNICEF on the legal status of any country or territory or the delimitation of any frontiers.

The newly established Moroccan governmental team is committed and progressive. It is composed of 39 ministerial posts including three assumed by women and has prioritized the need to create employment, economic development, the optimal implementation of the reform of the education system putting the emphasis on qualitative aspect of training and on the elimination of illiteracy, and improved housing. In his opening speech for the installation of the parliamentary Chamber, His Majesty the King Mohammed VI has expressed the wish that the Moroccan women benefit from a more equitable treatment under the law. In addition, the King would like all Parliament members to become aware of the concerns and priorities of citizens living in isolated and remote areas in Morocco.

A governmental programme announced by the new Prime Minister places emphasis on the generalization of primary education, the implementation of non-formal education for out-of school children, and the amelioration of public health services. 

UNICEF priorities

An innovative project has been initiated in a rural commune of 40,000 habitants in Chaouen province where community mutual health insurance has been implemented. For an annual contribution of $15 per household, residents benefited from free essential drugs and transportation to a reference hospital in case of emergency. Since the launch of this project in May 2002, more than 1,500 households (which include 4,500 children) have adhered to the system and one-third of the adherents benefited during the first five months. Several other communes now want to duplicate and adapt this approach.

For the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality, UNICEF has consolidated its efforts in the field of a maternal health since 2001. In addition to monitoring mothers and newborn babies in the post-partum period, an innovative idea to improve the situation of women in rural areas has been introduced. This includes a community-based reception structure that has been established to receive women for some days before and after their delivery to ensure better access to urgent obstetric care. Fundraising actitivies have also been organized. During the next year, an evaluation of mother and child monitoring in the post-partum period will be conducted and a “maternity without risk” strategy will be reinforced according to the recommendations of a traditional birth-attendants evaluation initiated in 2001.

In order to reinforce the achievement obtained in 2001 in the field of the quality of childcare, two sessions of clinical training on Integrated Management Childhood Illness (IMCI) and two community surveys have been completed. However, because of its high cost with limited impact, this experience will be evaluated in 2003 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. In school, the experience of the health auxiliaries was also evaluated and the results will be available in the beginning of the next year. The "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative" was applied as a part of a new breastfeeding promotion strategy. A review of breastfeeding trends will be undertaken in 2003 to redirect existing strategies and activities.
 
Concerning the fight against iodine deficiency, the implementation of a national programme supported by UNICEF has been delayed. Advocacy activities have been implemented to tackle the juridical and organizational aspects of a salt production sector, which is the principal obstacle. A situation analysis was completed in 2002, specifically evaluating the economic impact of the iodine deficiency in Morocco. It revealed that the country loses 1.5 per cent of the GDI per year as a result.

UNICEF's contribution to the issue of HIV/AIDs became significant with its support to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan in the region of Rabat. The focus is on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS and adopting an approach of raising awareness among youth.