Rabat: The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tehraoui, stated on Tuesday in Rabat that Morocco is actively committed to the international momentum led by the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly with regard to strengthening trust in scientific data and combating health misinformation.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Tehraoui, who co-chaired a meeting alongside the WHO Representative in Morocco, Mondher Letaief, dedicated to cooperation between the two parties, indicated that effective health policies can only be based on solid scientific foundations and precise, reliable data.
Morocco, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has made the strengthening of scientific research and the promotion of health knowledge a fundamental pillar of the health system reform project, through the creation of institutions dedicated to knowledge management, support for innovation, and the encouragement of the use of scientific data in decision-making, the minister noted.
He further explained that this year’s theme for World Health Day, “Together for Health, Stand with Science” reflects a growing international awareness of the central role of science in protecting public health.
He added that the Kingdom continues its efforts to instill a culture of trust in science and to strengthen rigorous scientific communication in order to address challenges related to misinformation and the spread of false information.
In this regard, Tehraoui stated that investing in scientific research and cooperating with partners, notably the WHO, constitutes a strategic choice to ensure equitable access to quality health services.
Morocco has made the full digitalization of the health system a central lever for equity, he said, adding that the digitalization of the Shared Medical Record aims to place citizens at the heart of a smooth, accessible, and transparent care pathway.
He also noted that the Kingdom has made significant progress in consolidating its health sovereignty and is committed to continuing its efforts to reach ‘maturity level 3’ as defined by the WHO.
Tehraoui further pointed out that the creation of the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products and the development of the ‘Marbio’ biotechnology platform in Benslimane mark a major step forward. ‘Morocco is no longer just a consumer of solutions; it is becoming a producer of health security,’ he affirmed.
For his part, WHO Representative Mondher Letaief stressed that the celebration of this day is part of a broader effort to strengthen the use of evidence-based data in the development of health policies, to consolidate cooperation among various stakeholders, and to enhance public trust in scientific recommendations.
Letaief also highlighted the importance of this meeting in supporting the development of a dynamic and integrated national health research ecosystem.
Morocco, engaged in an ambitious reform of its health system, places science, research, and innovation at the heart of its priorities to improve access, equity, and quality of care, he noted. He added that the Morocco-WHO cooperation strategy for the 2023-2027 period includes a focus on promoting operational research and creating spaces for consultation and dialogue based on scientific evidence.
He went on to say that, within this framework, collaboration between the WHO and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has led to significant progress, notably through the establishment of a collaborating center in reproductive health within the Maternit© des Orangers in Rabat.
“This center currently serves as a center of excellence dedicated to training, research, and the continuous improvement of sexual and reproductive health care,” he stated.
He also mentioned that other key collaborating centers are being developed, particularly in the fields of border health control and addiction studies, thereby strengthening national capacities and aligning with international standards.
This meeting was devoted to presenting the results of joint cooperation programs and examining prospects for developing this partnership in areas supporting the national health system, in line with health priorities, and with a view to improving the quality of services offered to citizens.
It also provides an opportunity to share national and international priorities in health research, highlight successful Moroccan experiences based on science, promote the adoption of evidence-based health decisions, and strengthen cooperation and partnerships among public institutions, universities, the private sector, and international.