Japan contributes $180 Million Loan to promote universal health coverage in Morocco

Japan has granted Morocco a $180 million loan to support the kingdom’s development policy program aimed at achieving universal health coverage.

The loan is destined to accelerate progress toward universal health access, with focus on improving maternal and child healthcare services in rural areas. It also marks a significant boost to Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, particularly through resilience, inclusion, and solidarity, as the Kingdom moves towards its 2035 social protection goal.

The initiative is expected to enhance healthcare services, including nutrition programs for vulnerable populations, while aligning with the country’s 2025 Health Plan and its New Development Model, targeting improved health services and social protection by 2035.

Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for the Budget, who initialed the loan agreement, along with Japanese Ambassador Kuramitsu Hideaki, and Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kawabata Tomoyuki, said this loan exemplifies the strong and historic relationship between Morocco and Japan, as well as JICA’s long-standing commitment to Morocco’s development efforts. He emphasized that over 40 joint development projects have already been implemented across sectors like infrastructure and agriculture.

Ambassador Kuramitsu noted that JICA and Morocco’s Health Ministry have collaborated on a health policy matrix focused on the expansion of universal health coverage and improving healthcare quality, especially for mothers and children.

JICA’s Kawabata Tomoyuki reaffirmed the agency’s support for the program, which is part of Morocco’s ambitious health reform agenda under King Mohammed VI’s vision.