Since last September, “Bouhamroun” or measles has been raging in Morocco, especially in the north of the country where several cases have been recorded. This resurgence of a disease, formerly buried, or at least as it seemed before this wave, recalls its acuteness and arouses great concern. The disease, whose rapid spread primarily affects children, has led to an unprecedented national mobilization to stem this epidemic.
Every day, according to professionals, dozens of parents flock to health centers to vaccinate their children free of charge and complete the missing doses. Armed with nursing, medical and administrative staff, these centers have welcomed a massive influx since last September. The objective is clear: to strengthen collective immunity against a highly contagious disease.
Faced with the increase in cases, health authorities have redoubled their efforts. Awareness campaigns targeting schools and associations are increasing to encourage vaccination and avoid further contamination.
Like wildfire, cases are increasing every day in the city of Tangier, something which has caused a health alert. According to the provincial direction of the Ministry of National Education, 75 confirmed cases have been recorded in 15 educational establishments, out of a total of 400 schools. Although several affected students have already recovered, a tragic case has been reported: a student with chronic diabetes died.
In response, education authorities have deployed massive awareness campaigns aimed at reminding parents of the importance of checking and updating their children’s vaccination status. These initiatives, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, aim to contain the spread.
Since October 2023, Morocco has recorded 107 deaths linked to measles, half of which concern children under 12 years old. More than 20,000 confirmed cases have been reported across the country, a toll that is pushing authorities to increase vaccination efforts.
-The severely impacted northern region, notably Tangier, has recorded eight recent deaths, while 448 serious cases have required medical treatment this year. The Mohammed VI University Hospital in Tangier reported five deaths among patients treated.
According to health professionals, the number of cases continues to grow. In just three months, infections increased from 115 cases in October to 104 in December, demonstrating rapid spread. Provinces such as Chefchaouen, Larache and Ouezzane are also affected, although the latter have not recorded any deaths.
The general delegation for prison administration and reintegration (DGAPR) also reported 79 cases of measles in Moroccan prisons. Among the cases recorded, 27 detainees completely recovered after appropriate treatment. A voluntary vaccination campaign made it possible to immunize 11,620 inmates and 332 employees. These measures aim to prevent massive spread in closed environments.
Health professionals insist on the urgency of restoring confidence in vaccination, largely affected by the Covid-19 period. Vaccination neglect is identified as a major cause of the resurgence of measles. They point out that measles can cause serious complications, particularly in children under 12 years old.
According to them, the rapid spread of measles is facilitated by massive travel and the delay in vaccination campaigns. The authorities hope, through joint efforts and intensive awareness initiatives, to reverse this trend and protect the most vulnerable populations.
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