Significant Milestones in Cancer Care in Morocco
On July 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection convened a pivotal meeting in Rabat, focusing on the National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan for the years 2020 to 2029. This important gathering was led by Minister Amine Tehraoui, who emphasized the significance of evaluating the plan's progress and formulating strategic priorities for the remaining years of implementation. During his address, Tehraoui remarked that this evaluation represents an essential phase of collaboration and sharing, which is critical for effectively navigating the remaining four years until the conclusion of this second decade-long plan.
The Moroccan government has heavily invested over the past fifteen years in enhancing the infrastructure and human resources available for cancer treatment, resulting in a significant increase in treatment capacity. Public oncology centers now monitor over 110,000 patients annually, including approximately 24,000 new cases each year. Furthermore, the nation boasts 59 reproductive health reference centers, which play a crucial role in the early detection of breast and cervical cancers. Tehraoui stressed the importance of converting these achievements into sustainable excellence by adapting healthcare services to meet the growing demand associated with demographic aging and improved diagnostics.
Future Directions and Goals
Tehraoui reiterated that addressing territorial disparities and ensuring equitable healthcare access remains a top priority within the roadmap for health reform. He pointed out that the structural reforms undertaken by the Kingdom, particularly through the establishment of territorial health groups and the advancement of regionalization, provide a unique opportunity to strengthen governance over the cancer plan, complete the digitalization of information systems, and ensure continuity of care pathways, from initial consultation through to treatment and rehabilitation.
According to the Minister, the outcomes of this evaluation will help define priorities in several key areas, including governance, inter-institutional coordination, and enhancing prevention, screening, and early detection efforts. The plan aims to ensure continuity and equity of access to treatment, foster public-private partnerships, and optimize human resources, equipment, and information systems. These priorities are set to be at the core of the action plan for 2027-2028, with the overarching goal of reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates in the Kingdom.
Moreover, Mohamed El Youbi, the Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control at the Ministry, highlighted that this meeting aligns with the implementation of national health system reform guided by royal directives aimed at universal health coverage. This reform is designed to guarantee that all individuals requiring care can access high-quality services without geographical or financial barriers, including access to modern treatments. El Youbi shared that Morocco has achieved "very positive" results in its battle against cancer, establishing itself as a reference model in regional and international contexts. The meeting primarily aimed to identify specific deficiencies and areas where efforts need to be intensified.
Progress has been made in various aspects, including strengthening the network of cancer care facilities, expanding oncology services, improving access to innovative medications, and enhancing palliative care. Additionally, the early detection program for breast and cervical cancers has been extended, as stated in the Ministry's communication. However, the steering committee also identified several challenges that require continued efforts, such as increasing HPV vaccination coverage, strengthening prevention against work-related and environmental cancers, and improving diagnostic and treatment pathways in line with international standards.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the committee approved the priority guidelines for the period of 2027-2029, which focus on enhancing governance of the national plan, expediting the implementation of prevention programs, ensuring equitable access to diagnostic and treatment services, boosting human resources and equipment, accelerating the digital transformation of health services, and supporting the deployment of Territorial Health Groups. These efforts are essential to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of cancer control services in Morocco.
As reported by snrtnews.com.
