Morocco witnesses rapid developments in the health sector

Maghreb Arab Press Bulletin as part of the health bulletin of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA)

Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma and the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya visit Kenyan and Moroccan patients who benefited from cochlear implant surgery

Rabat - On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma, President of the Lalla Asma Foundation, and Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and President of the "Voice of Children Foundation," visited Kenyan and Moroccan patients who had benefited from cochlear implant surgery at the Mohammed VI International University Hospital in Rabat. This visit was part of the fourth phase of the international program "Together We Hear Better" and the national campaign "We Hear."

The Kenyan patients who underwent these procedures are among 100 children suffering from severe deafness who have been cared for under the fourth phase of the "Together We Hear Better" program. This phase was launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma and Mrs. Rachel Ruto in the Kenyan capital on November 5, 2025. The program aims to perform cochlear implant surgeries on 70 children in Nairobi and host 30 other children in Morocco to undergo the same procedure. The first ten children in the Kingdom benefited from the same medical pathway designated for Moroccan patients.

In line with the humanitarian and solidarity vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God support him, for effective and robust South-South cooperation, this fourth phase of the "Together We Hear Better" program enables young people to discover the world of sound, communication, learning, and openness, as well as to transfer skills. Furthermore, the implementation of this operation embodies the royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma oversees in its practical application: a vision of a Morocco that is active, solidarity-driven, and inspiring, one that creates, innovates, and shares—a Morocco that does not seek to grow alone but with others.

Thus, within the framework of the cooperation approach led by the Foundation under the supervision of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma, 100 Kenyan children suffering from deafness have benefited from Moroccan expertise in the field of hearing impairment. They join hundreds of children from 22 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. This cooperation model aligns with the will of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God support him, to place the Kingdom’s experience and expertise at the disposal of sister countries. It is manifested daily through the continuous involvement of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma, who personally monitors the Foundation’s programs, the patients she receives, and the partnerships established.

The "We Hear" program, supervised by the Lalla Asma Foundation, is a unique model that the Kingdom shares with many countries.

(Rabat - Dr. Fouad Benariba)

Dr. Fouad Benariba, Head of the Head and Neck Surgery Department at the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat, confirmed that the "We Hear" program, supervised by the Lalla Asma Foundation, is a unique model that the Kingdom strives to share with many countries in Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America.

In a statement to the press on the occasion of the visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma, President of the Lalla Asma Foundation, and Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and President of the Voice of Children Foundation, to Moroccan and Kenyan children at the Mohammed VI International University Hospital in Rabat who benefited from cochlear implant surgery within the framework of the fourth phase of the international program "Together We Hear Better" and the national campaign "We Hear," Dr. Fouad Benariba stated that this successful program represents a continuation of a long-term commitment to caring for every child suffering from hearing loss and severe deafness, starting from diagnosis and medical follow-up, through hearing rehabilitation and speech therapy.

He added that the national "We Hear" program, carried out under the supervision of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma and benefiting Moroccan children, falls within the royal vision aimed at securing healthcare treatments, promoting innovation, enhancing solidarity, and sharing Moroccan expertise with sister and friendly countries in Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America.

On the other hand, he emphasized the importance of the international program "Together We Hear Better," which enabled children from Kenya, like other patients in Africa and the rest of the world, to benefit from cochlear implant surgery. He recalled the experience undertaken by the Moroccan medical team in Nairobi in November 2025, which benefited 70 Kenyan children.

For his part, Professor Abdelaziz El Raji, Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech, highlighted that sharing expertise with the various partners of the Lalla Asma Foundation's "We Hear" program constitutes a major lever for improving deafness treatment in Africa.

Professor El Raji, a member of the technical and scientific committee of the "We Hear" program, stated that "exchanging experiences with our partner colleagues has also enabled us to unify and improve patient care." He added that thanks to cochlear implant surgery, patients regain their ability to hear after surgical intervention and achieve full social integration.

On this occasion, he noted that the program has enabled the performance of surgeries for more than 1,050 Moroccan children and adults in need of cochlear implants to date, and that more than 391 children from 22 countries in Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America have also benefited from the "Together We Hear Better" program.

For her part, Professor Laila El Sekkali, Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the Specialized Hospital of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Territorial Health Group, highlighted the personal involvement of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asma through the Lalla Asma Foundation in favor of the cause of the deaf and hard of hearing, confirming that caring for deafness is a work that requires commitment, proximity, and accompanying the patient and their family.

She confirmed that the national "We Hear" program of the Lalla Asma Foundation has now become a Moroccan model thanks to persistent work that has allowed for the accumulation of experience and expertise recognized at both the continental and international levels.

**Casablanca.. Mohammed VI School of Interventional Simulation and Robotic Surgery Celebrates the First Graduates of the University Certificate in Robotic Surgery**

Casablanca - The Mohammed VI School of Interventional Simulation and Robotic Surgery (M6-ISRSS) at Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences in Casablanca organized a certificate awarding ceremony for surgeons and operating room nurses who benefited from training in robotic surgery during 2026.

This training, launched on January 26, 2026, within the academic activities of the Mohammed VI School of Interventional Simulation and Robotic Surgery, aims to enhance the competencies of health professionals in robot-assisted surgery techniques by combining theoretical, practical, and simulation aspects.

This training relies on the school's pedagogical infrastructure, which includes, in particular, simulation equipment, two robots dedicated to training, augmented reality platforms, as well as various units focusing on interventional specialties.

On this occasion, Professor Mohammed Chahbouni, Director of the Mohammed VI International Center for Simulation in Science and Health in Casablanca, highlighted the importance of this training in developing the skills of health professionals and keeping pace with the development of robotic surgery in Morocco.

In this context, he noted that the number of beneficiaries of this training exceeded 60 surgeons and nurses from Morocco and Africa, which will contribute to the development of national competencies and keep pace with the development of robotic surgery in the Kingdom.

Mr. Chahbouni also emphasized the importance of simulation in acquiring and refining technical skills, as well as in enhancing the safety of surgical practices.

The Mohammed VI School of Interventional Simulation and Robotic Surgery, affiliated with the Mohammed VI International Center for Simulation in Science and Health, part of the Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences Foundation, is part of the Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences system. The school is an academic, pedagogical, and technological institution dedicated to training, research, and innovation in the field of surgery and interventional specialties. Its mission is to develop basic and continuing training programs for health professionals to promote medical excellence and enhance patient safety.

**Ministry of Health and Social Protection Launches "Mental Health Plan 2030"**

Rabat - The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has launched the "Mental Health Plan 2030," which aims to improve access to mental health services, enhance the continuity of care, and upgrade the quality of provided services.

This plan constitutes a national reference framework to promote mental health, prevent mental disorders, and support rehabilitation and social reintegration.

In this regard, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amin El Tahraoui, confirmed that investing in mental health is an investment in human capital, social cohesion, and the dignity of every individual. He noted that mental health can no longer be viewed as a secondary issue; it has become one of the fundamental conditions for the success of social and developmental projects.

The Minister highlighted that this strategy is based on several key transformations, including early intervention by shifting the focus towards prevention throughout life stages, starting from childhood and youth, moving through workplaces, and addressing vulnerability and aging. It also involves reintegrating mental health into the core of the healthcare system so that every person can receive treatment quickly and close to their residence, as well as placing the individual at the heart of public action and enabling them to regain their independence and status within society.

For his part, Abdelrazzaq Wanas, Managing Director of the Lalla Amlouk Foundation for Mental Health, appreciated the high royal attention afforded to people in situations of mental vulnerability. He confirmed that the presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Amlouk of the Foundation embodies a sound royal vision that places mental health among the national priorities of the health sector.

He highlighted that the action plan launched by the Ministry of Health today represents a structured and ambitious response to an urgent humanitarian and social necessity, noting that its effective implementation requires the mobilization and coordination of efforts from all relevant stakeholders. He emphasized that mental health is the cornerstone and a key determinant of public health and social cohesion.

The plan places special emphasis on strengthening human resources by increasing the number of psychiatrists in the public sector from 32 to 786, and increasing the annual training capacity for specialists in psychiatry from 36 to 124, and for mental health nurses from 490 to 750 annually. It also aims to establish a regulatory legal framework for the profession of psychiatrist.

The implementation of the Mental Health Plan 2030 will benefit from funding of approximately 4 billion dirhams to accompany the rollout of various measures and procedures programmed within the framework of the plan.

**National Healthcare Offer Strengthened by the Entry of 15 Primary Healthcare Institutions in Six Regions (Ministry of Health)**

Rabat - 15 primary healthcare institutions have entered into service in the regions of Casablanca-Settat, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Oriental, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, and Marrakech-Safi, following the completion of their rehabilitation and equipping works.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection stated in a press release that the entry of these health facilities into service, which comes within the framework of continuing to strengthen the national healthcare offer, falls under the implementation of the high royal directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI aimed at reforming and rehabilitating the national healthcare system, enhancing the offer of treatments, and bringing healthcare services closer to citizens.

The source added that this entry also comes in the context of implementing the national program for the rehabilitation of 1,600 primary healthcare institutions, including 500 institutions during 2026, which accompanies the initiative to generalize social protection and enhances the quality of basic health services.

These health centers, which belong to the new generation of primary healthcare institutions, aim to strengthen the healthcare offer at the regional level and bring healthcare services closer to the targeted population, which exceeds 375,677 inhabitants. They also aim to respond to the growing demand for healthcare services, improve access to them, and enhance their quality, as well as improve reception and referral conditions.

The statement indicated that the Ministry of Health and Social Protection worked on equipping these health facilities with high-quality biomedical equipment and mobilized qualified human resources, totaling 50 health professionals, who will oversee the provision of medical and nursing services. These services will benefit from a diverse basket of treatments, including general medical examinations, nursing treatments, follow-up of chronic diseases, especially diabetes and hypertension, and respiratory diseases, as well as maternal and child health, school health, awareness and health education, epidemiological vigilance, and mobile health.

**Arfoud.. Training Session on Promoting Reproductive Health**

Arfoud (Al Haouz Province) -- A training session for midwives was organized on September 12 and 13 in Arfoud (Al Haouz Province) within the framework of efforts to enhance the professional competencies of health staff and improve the quality of reproductive health services.

This session, organized by the Moroccan Association of Midwives in partnership with the Regional Delegation of Health and Social Protection, focused on enhancing the role of midwives in responding to health crises, with a focus on the "HBB - Helping Babies Breathe" program, which aims to strengthen the capacity of health professionals to intervene and care for newborns, especially in cases requiring rapid and effective intervention.

This initiative allowed midwives to deepen their knowledge, develop their practical skills, and exchange experiences and best practices, contributing to improving the quality of care provided to women and newborns and ensuring the continuity of health services, including reproductive health services, under all circumstances.

According to the Regional Delegation of Health and Social Protection, this training session falls within the framework of efforts to support and ensure continuous training for health professionals and enhance their ability to manage emergencies and improve the quality of maternal and child health services.

**Training Session on Early Detection of Women's Cancers**

Al Haouz - A training session on the early detection of breast and cervical cancer was organized on September 9 and 10 in Al Haouz within the framework of efforts to strengthen the capacities of health staff and upgrade the quality of prevention and early detection services for women's cancers.

This session, which targeted doctors and nurses working in health institutions in the municipalities of Al Haouz, Bouinib, and Aoufous, provided participants with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and professional skills and develop their practices in the field of prevention, early detection, and management of cases requiring follow-up and referral.

According to the Regional Delegation of Health and Social Protection, this session, facilitated by the person in charge of the early detection program for breast and cervical cancer at the Health Networks Department, was distinguished by the adoption of an integrated methodology combining theoretical and practical aspects.

The first day was dedicated to the theoretical aspect, where a number of axes related to breast and cervical cancer were addressed, particularly risk factors, prevention methods, the importance of early detection, and procedures adopted in screening and managing cases requiring follow-up.

The second day allowed participants to apply their theoretical knowledge and better understand the various stages and procedures of early detection.

**Oujda.. Organization of the First Edition of the "Nexus HealthTech" Hackathon to Innovate Digital Solutions in the Health Sector**

Oujda - The city of Oujda will host the first edition of the multidisciplinary hackathon "Nexus HealthTech" on November 13 and 14, aimed at supporting innovative digital solutions in the health sector.

This scientific and technical event, organized by the International Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Sciences in Oujda under the slogan "Together for the Health of Tomorrow," aims to create a space for the cross-fertilization of ideas and the integration of digital skills with medical expertise to transform field constraints into innovation challenges and develop tangible solutions that improve access to healthcare services and enhance the performance of the system as a whole.

A statement from the organizers indicated that this event is based on a participatory approach and breaking down barriers between disciplines, bringing together students, researchers, and professionals within teams of at least three members.

The source clarified that these teams will primarily include experts in informatics, programming, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, alongside students or professionals in the health sector tasked with providing the necessary medical and clinical expertise to develop these solutions, while respecting ethical and regulatory requirements.

The challenges presented to participants cover several dimensions of the digital transformation in the health sector, including artificial intelligence, medical decision support, telemedicine, connected health, management and valorization of health data, cybersecurity for health information systems, as well as issues of governance, legal framework, health economics, patient experience, and improvement of care pathways.

In this regard, Ryan Bouazzaoui, President of the International Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Sciences in Oujda, confirmed that the "Nexus HealthTech" hackathon responds to a necessity to make multidisciplinarity a working methodology in service of innovation in the health field. He noted that technology offers new possibilities, but interaction with health professionals is what turns these possibilities into effective solutions.

Mr. Bouazzaoui highlighted the local dimension of this initiative, confirming that the goal is to "make the city of Oujda a starting point for a sustainable dynamic of health innovation that meets the needs of patients and Moroccan professionals and opens new horizons for young people in the fields of research and entrepreneurship."

The statement indicated that participating teams will work during the two days of the hackathon to transform their ideas into innovative solutions and present them to a specialized jury. The event will be crowned by the allocation of financial prizes to the top three teams, as well as an encouragement prize to consolidate a culture of innovation based on real needs and tangible social impact.

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