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 so it seemed before this wave, recalls its acuteness and arouses lively concern. The disease, whose rapid spread primarily affects children, has led to an unprecedented national mobilisation to contain this epidemic.
Every day, according to professionals, dozens of parents flock to health centres to vaccinate their children for free and complete the missing doses. Armed with nursing, medical, and administrative staff, these centres have been welcoming a massive influx since last September. The goal 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 multiplying to encourage vaccination and avoid new contaminations.
Like wildfire, cases are increasing every day in the city of Tangier, which has caused a health alert. According to the provincial directorate of the Ministry of National Education, 75 confirmed cases have been recorded in 15 schools, out of a total of 400 schools. While several affected students have already recovered, a tragic case has been reported: a student with chronic diabetes has died.
In response, educational authorities have deployed massive awareness campaigns aimed at reminding parents of the importance of checking and updating their children's vaccination status. These initiatives, conducted 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 multiply vaccination efforts.
The northern region, seriously impacted, notably Tangier, has recorded eight recent deaths, while 448 serious cases have required medical care this year. The Mohammed VI University Hospital in Tangier reported five deaths among the patients treated.
According to health professionals, the number of cases continues to grow. In just three months, infections have progressed from 115 cases in October to 104 in December, attesting to a rapid spread. Provinces such as Chefchaouen, Larache, and Ouezzane are also concerned, although the latter have recorded no deaths.
The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) has also reported 79 cases of measles in Moroccan prisons. Among the recorded cases, 27 detainees have fully recovered after appropriate treatment. A voluntary vaccination campaign has made it possible to immunise 11,620 detainees and 332 employees. These measures aim to prevent a massive spread in closed environments.
Health professionals insist on the urgency of restoring confidence in vaccination, largely affected by the Covid-19 period. Vaccination negligence is identified as a major cause of the resurgence of measles. They recall that measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children under 12 years old.
According to them, the rapid spread of measles is facilitated by massive travel and the delay accumulated in vaccination campaigns. Authorities hope, thanks to joint efforts and intensive awareness initiatives, to reverse this trend and protect the most vulnerable populations.
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