COVID-19: Morocco launches large-scale vaccination operation

Morocco will launch, in the coming weeks, a massive vaccination operation against Covid-19 to end the acute phase of the pandemic.

 

This unprecedented nationwide operation aims to provide the population with a vaccine as an appropriate immunization means against the virus and controlling its spread, said the Royal Office in a statement issued after King Mohammed VI chaired, Monday, Nov. 9, at the Royal Palace in Rabat, a working session dedicated to the vaccination strategy against the coronavirus.

The meeting is part of the ongoing monitoring by the King of the evolution of the pandemic and the measures taken to curb its spread and to safeguard citizens’ life and health.

On the basis of the opinion expressed by the ad hoc National Scientific Committee, which stressed that the vaccination campaign is a genuine response to end the acute phase of the pandemic, and faithful to the proactive royal approach adopted since the appearance of this virus, the Monarch gave his guidelines for the launch, in the coming weeks, of a massive vaccination operation against Covid-19, the Royal Office said.

According to the results of clinical studies already completed or still underway, the safety, efficiency and immunogenicity of the vaccine have been proven, it said.

The immunization operation, in a two-injection vaccination schedule, should target citizens over 18, the statement said, explaining that Priority will be given in particular to front-line staff, in this case health workers, public authorities, security forces and national education workers, as well as the elderly and people vulnerable to the virus. The campaign will be later extended to the rest of the population.

Morocco has been able to occupy an advanced rank in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccine, thanks to the Sovereign’s initiative and personal involvement, which led to the successful participation in the clinical trials.

King Mohammed VI gave his instructions to the competent authorities to ensure the proper preparation and the smooth running of this large-scale national operation, at the health, logistical and technical levels.

Particular emphasis was laid on the need to ensure the accessibility of the vaccine, within a social and supportive framework, and its availability in sufficient quantities. Attention was also paid to the medical logistics of transport, storage, and administration of the vaccine throughout the country and the establishment of an efficient system of pre-registration of beneficiaries.

To this end, the Sovereign has called for the mobilization of all the services and departments concerned, in particular health workers, territorial administration and security forces, as well as the necessary support from the Royal Armed Forces, in accordance with the missions entrusted to them by the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, as part of the fight against Covid-19.

This large-scale immunization operation is part of the Monarch’s guidelines to redouble vigilance in the management of the pandemic, and to maintain the scientific watch capacities for a regular update of the national strategy in this field in the light of new developments and factual realities.

The royal decision come as Morocco has been lately witnessing a record daily increase in COVID-19 cases. The country has been lately confirming over 3,000 new COVID-19 cases every day.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health recorded 3,170 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. This brings the country’s total number of confirmed infections to 259,951.

The Ministry also confirmed the highest number of COVID-19-related deaths in 24 hours, with 84 new fatalities.