Measles outbreak prompts health checks in Morocco's detention facilities

Saturday 08 February 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Measles outbreak prompts health checks in Morocco's detention facilities

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco has initiated field visits to detention centers nationwide in response to a measles outbreak. Through its National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, the council is assessing health conditions and preventive measures across correctional facilities.

Following data collection from the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration, the CNDH launched inspections beginning with Tangier 2 Local Prison on January 28, followed by Kenitra Central Prison on February 3. These visits aim to evaluate containment measures and ensure the health safety of incarcerated individuals, particularly in high-risk facilities.

The prison administration received praise from the CNDH team for implementing rapid response protocols, including a voluntary vaccination campaign and isolation procedures for infected prisoners and staff. The council plans to extend its monitoring efforts to juvenile protection centers and elderly care facilities.

Morocco has experienced a significant increase in measles cases and related fatalities in recent months, particularly affecting children. In response, health professionals have been deployed to examine suspected cases and implement necessary precautions, including temporary school exclusions for infected students.

The Ministry of Health has expanded its vaccination program to include adults, broadening the scope beyond its initial focus on individuals under 18. The rise in measles cases has been attributed to decreased vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, when routine immunization programs faced disruptions and many individuals missed scheduled vaccinations.

The CNDH's ongoing monitoring initiative reflects a coordinated effort to prevent disease spread within institutional settings while protecting vulnerable populations across Morocco.