WHO commission praises royal program for mobile medical units in quake-affected Al Haouz region

Members of the WHO Commission on Social Connections commended Morocco’s Royal program for deploying Connected Mobile Medical Units in earthquake-affected regions of Al Haouz province after they visited Amzmiz village on Monday.

Health Minister Khaled Ait Taleb accompanied the Commission during a field visit to Amizmiz as part of the second meeting of the WHO Social Link Commission. They praised the quality and efficiency of services provided by these mobile units.

The WHO delegation lauded the prompt response of Moroccan health officials following the September 8, 2023 earthquake. They highlighted how these units ensured high-quality, immediate healthcare services for affected rural areas.

Ait Taleb emphasized the royal program’s role in improving healthcare access in rural regions. He noted the initiative aligns with the royal guidelines to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure access to services for all citizens.

Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Social Determinants of Health, called the program a “model initiative” for promoting health equity. He praised its focus on delivering healthcare to rural and remote areas and its significance in rapid disaster response.

The delegation was briefed on the services provided by the mobile units, including maternal and child healthcare, first aid, and telemedicine consultations in earthquake-hit areas, using modern communication technologies.

The Royal program, led by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, is part of Morocco’s healthcare reform and social protection initiatives. It combines local healthcare with telemedicine to improve services for rural populations.

This project represents a pioneering model on a global scale, especially in providing rapid responses to natural disasters, as demonstrated after the Al Haouz earthquake.