Morocco’s Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb launched Morocco’s first Integrated National Strategic Plan against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis (2024-2030) in the Eastern Mediterranean region on Monday along with Amina Bouayach, Head of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH).
The plan aims to eliminate these deadly infections by 2030, aligning with the UN sustainable development goals. Funding includes over 300 million MAD from the state, 170 million MAD from the Global Fund, and 15 million MAD from the UN, along with support from partners and civil society.
This strategic plan to fight the three diseases, designated national public health priorities, will be reinforced by the revolutionary overhaul of the healthcare system, reflecting the vision of King Mohammed VI to broaden societal protection and medical coverage, said Ait Taleb .
Morocco’s effective 35-year fight against AIDS has achieved a 43% reduction in new infections and deaths (2012-2022), lowering the overall infection rate to 0.07%.
Screening is available at 1,700 health facilities, with 400,000 HIV tests annually. Free antiretroviral treatment recipients quadrupled from 2012 to 2022, with 40 care centers and 22 diagnostic and follow-up laboratories nationwide.
Bouayach highlighted the importance of World AIDS Day in raising awareness and intensifying Morocco’s comprehensive efforts to reduce transmission of the virus and combat the disease.
She further encouraged those who advocate for the rights of people with HIV to collaborate with the Health Ministry.