On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated annually on December 3rd, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection reaffirms its deep commitment to advancing the rights of this social group and ensuring their access to all fundamental rights, enabling them to live with dignity and contribute actively to the development of the nation.
This day not only serves as a reminder of the achievements made in integrating persons with disabilities but also highlights the ongoing challenges they face and the collective effort needed to achieve further progress.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI has always been at the forefront of leaders who place special emphasis on this group, issuing important messages encouraging their social and professional integration and ensuring their access to a dignified life. This concern has been reflected in national strategies implemented by the government and the Ministry of Health to protect and safeguard their rights, guaranteeing access to necessary healthcare and social services.
In this context, the World Health Organization views disability not only as a health issue but also as a human rights issue, stressing the need for attention to the developmental aspects of persons with disabilities. National statistics indicate that 4.1% of the population in Morocco is living with a disability, representing approximately 1.35 million people. This calls for greater efforts from all sectors to improve their living and health conditions.
Morocco is one of the countries that has made significant strides in caring for persons with disabilities, thanks to cooperation between the government and civil society. The country has established a broad network of health centers offering rehabilitation services and specialized medical care, alongside health programs aimed at preventing disability, such as vaccination campaigns and nutritional supplements for pregnant women and children.
There has also been continuous improvement in specialized rehabilitation infrastructure, with the establishment of regional centers for the fitting of prosthetic limbs and the provision of medical rehabilitation and physiotherapy services. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of specialized professionals in certain health fields, as well as the need for improved medical training in disability care.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has developed a comprehensive strategy to improve healthcare for persons with disabilities.
This strategy includes expanding health coverage for this group and reviewing existing systems to facilitate their access to available healthcare services. Additionally, vocational rehabilitation services have been integrated into primary healthcare institutions, ensuring that they receive comprehensive medical care tailored to their specific needs.
The strategy also focuses on improving access to medical treatments and vocational rehabilitation, expanding the range of health services for persons with disabilities, and enhancing continuous training for healthcare practitioners in this field.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is not just a commemoration but an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive society, where every individual has equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their health condition. By raising health awareness and providing necessary support, we can build a community that offers persons with disabilities the right environment to interact positively and effectively with their surroundings, thus enhancing their quality of life.
The efforts made by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, under the guidance of His Majesty the King, are helping us make steady progress toward ensuring a better life for this important social group, which is an integral part of our social fabric. Therefore, increasing public awareness and intensifying cooperation between various stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society, represents the ideal path to realizing this vision.
source : fesnews media