Health Ministry Reports Rising Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Cases in Morocco
The Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection has released alarming statistics indicating that more than 53% of new tuberculosis cases reported in 2025 are extrapulmonary forms of the disease. This significant finding highlights an urgent need for enhanced awareness and early detection efforts across the nation. In a statement released to coincide with World Tuberculosis Day 2026, celebrated under the theme "Tuberculosis Beyond the Lungs: Let's Raise Awareness of Extrapulmonary Forms," the Ministry emphasized the necessity of increasing clinical vigilance among healthcare professionals to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care for affected individuals.
The Ministry's announcement underscores its commitment to bolstering efforts in detecting and managing all forms of tuberculosis, particularly the extrapulmonary variants, which often evade diagnosis despite their critical impact on the national epidemiological landscape. The observance of World Tuberculosis Day serves not only to educate citizens about the importance of seeking healthcare early but also to support healthcare professionals in recognizing and managing these challenging forms of the disease.
Furthering its initiatives, the Ministry has scheduled a national scientific seminar for March 26, 2026, which will be conducted online. This seminar aims to bring together various stakeholders, including Ministry officials, healthcare professionals, representatives from scientific associations, non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies, to discuss the current epidemiological situation and review the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Strategic National Plan to Combat Tuberculosis
The fight against tuberculosis remains a national priority as part of the strategic national plan for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in Morocco for 2024-2030. This plan aims to reduce the mortality rate by 60% and decrease the incidence of the disease by 35% by the year 2030. The Ministry's strategy focuses on early detection, improving treatment success rates, expanding preventive treatment access, and enhancing governance through a multi-sectoral approach.
Moreover, the Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to improving access to diagnostic and screening services, enhancing the capacities of healthcare professionals, and ensuring that care provided in health institutions is free of charge. It also seeks to foster partnerships with various national and international actors to strengthen its tuberculosis response.
In conclusion, the Ministry reiterated that tuberculosis is a preventable and treatable disease, provided it is diagnosed in a timely manner and that patients adhere to the prescribed treatment protocols. It called upon all professionals, partners, institutions, and citizens to engage in national efforts for the prevention and early detection of tuberculosis, ensuring effective treatment to curb its spread throughout Morocco.
As reported by lakome2.com.
