Morocco faces a real public health crisis with more than 2.7 million adults suffering from diabetes, almost half of whom are only diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. Added to this figure are 25,000 children affected by this chronic condition, highlighting the urgency of appropriate measures to address a constantly growing problem.
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, celebrated each year on November 14, the Ministry of Health recalled the importance of early detection and comprehensive care. Part of the 2024-2026 theme of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation, this day is an opportunity to remind people that living safely with this disease is possible, provided it is controlled. the different aspects.
The cost of diabetes-related care weighs heavily on Moroccan household budgets. Between regular medical consultations, frequent biological analyzes and the high price of treatments, diabetes care is an economic burden for families, particularly those from the middle and disadvantaged classes. Insulins, essential for many patients, can represent a very significant expense, aggravated by the absence of generalized or adapted social security coverage for some.
In 2023, the estimated cost of direct care for diabetic patients in Morocco was several billion dirhams. In addition to medical expenses, diabetes also causes indirect costs related to loss of productivity, work stoppages and serious complications requiring intensive care. This situation puts considerable pressure on the Moroccan health system, which must mobilize limited resources to meet growing demand.
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A public health policy in search of solutions
Recognizing the scale of the problem, the Ministry of Health has implemented annual screening programs, targeting one million people at risk each year in primary care settings. This initiative aims to identify the disease early to prevent serious complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, amputations, or even kidney and ophthalmic damage.
The government is also committed to offering structured care to more than 1.5 million patients via integrated pathways. These include regular medical monitoring, dietary advice and educational sessions on self-management of the disease. However, these efforts remain insufficient given the scale of needs, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited.
To strengthen prevention, national awareness campaigns are organized around the importance of a healthy lifestyle. However, these prevention messages often come up against sociocultural and economic barriers, making their adoption difficult for a large part of the population.
Diabetes is not limited to its physical and economic repercussions. Its psychological effects are just as devastating. A study conducted by the Ministry of Health reveals that 36% of diabetic patients suffer from chronic stress linked to the daily management of their disease. Furthermore, 63% of them live in constant fear of complications, and 28% struggle to maintain a positive vision of their future.
As the number of patients continues to rise, the urgency of a national plan to combat diabetes cannot be ignored. Not only is the health of millions of Moroccans at stake, but also the sustainability of a health system already weakened by other health priorities.
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