Celebrating World Health Day: Fes-Meknes Regional Health Directorate Focuses on Maternal and Child Health

On the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated every year on April 7, the Fes-Meknes Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection is participating in this global event, which is recognized by countries around the world. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme “Let’s speed up and complete prenatal visits to maintain maternal and child health” to highlight the importance of following up on pregnancy and promoting the health of mothers and children throughout all stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

World Health Day serves as an annual reminder of the global efforts to achieve good health and well-being for all, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The WHO has selected maternal and newborn health as this year’s focus, launching a campaign aimed at reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths through improved healthcare access.

Morocco has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health. Between 2010 and 2016, the country reduced maternal mortality by 35%, and neonatal mortality decreased by 38%, according to the 2018 National Population and Family Health Survey. Additionally, the rate of prenatal care follow-up in Morocco stands at 88.5%, reflecting efforts to enhance maternal and child care across the country.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain in rural areas, where only 35% of women benefit from four prenatal visits, compared to 66% in urban areas. This disparity highlights the ongoing need to improve healthcare services in rural regions and raise awareness about the importance of regular prenatal care.

As part of Morocco’s commitment to achieving the SDGs and improving maternal and child health, the National Human Development Initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, has launched an awareness campaign running from April 7 to May 8, 2025, under the theme “The Importance of Prenatal Care.” The campaign aims to build on previous successes and improve prenatal care services, with a focus on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, which are crucial for developing healthy and strong generations.

To ensure the success of the campaign, the initiative will collaborate with various media outlets, including print, electronic, and audiovisual platforms, to spread awareness through radio and television programs. Additionally, awareness capsules will be launched on the “Sahati” website, and training sessions on behavioral change and the importance of the first 1,000 days will be offered.

At the regional level, the Fes-Meknes Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection will enhance awareness and education sessions at health centers and hospitals, offering lectures on the significance of prenatal care and the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Local stakeholders, including the media and civil society organizations, will be mobilized to educate citizens about these vital health issues.

These efforts are part of Morocco’s ongoing commitment to ensuring good health and well-being for all citizens. The Fes-Meknes Regional Directorate continues to play a key role in raising awareness and improving healthcare for mothers and children across the region, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come.

source : fesnews media

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