Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a researcher in health policy and systems, stated that “Morocco, like all other countries, could see the disease arrive, given that the World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency.” He added that, in response, Morocco would participate in the global effort by raising awareness among citizens and healthcare professionals to detect the virus if cases appear. This would also involve vigilance, monitoring, technical preparedness for testing, and updating protocols for such cases. He noted that vaccines are 85% effective and mentioned that the new strain of monkeypox spreads rapidly with a mortality rate of up to 3%.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reported that it is closely monitoring the epidemiological situation of monkeypox (M-POX), which is currently spreading rapidly in several African countries, as part of an international epidemic surveillance system.
According to a statement from the ministry on Thursday, they have also updated the national monitoring and response plan for this epidemic following developments in the global epidemiological situation and the evolving knowledge about this disease, as well as the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
The source also mentioned that a proactive national plan has been in place since June 2022. This plan has enabled the detection of five cases up until March of this year, most of which were imported, with no resulting infections among contacts. These cases were medically mild and fully recovered without complications. The ministry assured the public regarding the level of vigilance and preparedness in Morocco, affirming that they will continue to communicate and update the public on all developments.
The statement also noted that the Director-General of the World Health Organization, under the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), announced yesterday that M-POX constitutes a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the epidemic since last year and the high fatality rate reported in one African country, necessitating global effort and cooperation to limit its spread.
It pointed out that this announcement regarding M-POX is the second of its kind within two years. The WHO previously classified this disease as a public health emergency of international concern between July 2022 and May 2023, with continued reporting of cases worldwide up to this day.
