Morocco’s pioneering role in strengthening African health sovereignty, managing pandemic crises highlighted before AU committee

Morocco’s pioneering role in strengthening African health sovereignty and in managing pandemic crises was highlighted Wednesday before an extraordinary session of the African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC).

In an address before the session, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the AU and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi, focused on the success behind the Moroccan approach, which is based on innovation and regional collaboration.

He recalled in this connection that in response to the health emergency posed by Mpox, Morocco developed a PCR diagnostic kit capable of detecting the virus with unrivalled accuracy. He pointed out that this initiative benefited from Africa CDC’s technical and scientific support, demonstrating the continent’s ability to produce competitive solutions tailored to its realities.

Morocco and Africa CDC, which has endorsed the first Mpox PCR kit developed in Morocco, are thus paving the way for greater health sovereignty in Africa in the management of emerging pandemic crises, he said.

In this regard, he noted that Africa CDC’s Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya congratulated Morocco on making the first Mpox PCR, a statement reflecting Africa CDC’s commitment to promoting endogenous solutions to pandemics, while fostering the continent’s economic accessibility and autonomy.

This breakthrough illustrates the need for greater coordination between African states and regional institutions to anticipate and respond effectively to health crises, the diplomat noted, adding that this Moroccan initiative is a concrete example of Africa’s potential to transform challenges into opportunities, and thus strengthen the continent’s collective resilience to future pandemics.