Nairobi: Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, has strategically placed health sovereignty at the center of its development path, according to Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. Speaking in Nairobi, Akhannouch co-chaired a panel on health sovereignty with the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Akhannouch emphasized that Morocco’s vision of health sovereignty and security is being realized through concrete reforms. He noted that the Kingdom has prioritized health sovereignty in its development plans by implementing several strategic actions. These include the nationwide rollout of mandatory health insurance, which now covers 88% of the population, the restructuring of the national health system through enhanced governance, upgraded healthcare services, and significant investment in human resources.

The government head further outlined ongoing efforts to establish sustainable health financing by mobilizing public resources and fostering public-private partnerships. Investment in local drug production has also become a focal point, allowing Morocco to meet over 70% of its national pharmaceutical needs. Akhannouch highlighted these initiatives during the panel discussion at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.

Akhannouch pointed out that recent international health alerts highlight epidemiological issues as a strategic challenge, underscoring the necessity of improving surveillance and rapid coordination capabilities while strengthening the health system. In line with these efforts, Morocco has joined the National Health Compact, demonstrating its commitment to aligning national priorities with global health objectives.

The Africa Forward Summit serves as a platform for heads of State and government to explore opportunities for enhancing partnerships between Africa and France.