Morocco ranks 22nd in Africa in the 2026 health security index

Morocco ranks 22nd out of 54 African countries in the 2026 African Health Security Index, recording a score of 42.1 out of 100. The result represents a moderate improvement compared with 2021, when the country's score was 4.3 points lower, but it also highlights significant gaps in healthcare preparedness, prevention and institutional coordination.

The index was developed by the Nuclear Threat Initiative in cooperation with the Brown University Pandemic Center and the Economist Impact research organization. It assesses countries across six broad areas: prevention, early detection and reporting, rapid response, health system capacity, national commitments and financing, and the broader risk environment.

Morocco's score is slightly above the African average of 41.5 points and places it alongside Côte d'Ivoire. At the continental level, South Africa leads the ranking with 62.76 points, followed by Senegal with 60.29 and Egypt with 58.57. Nigeria and Uganda complete the top five.

Morocco's performance varies considerably between the different dimensions measured by the index. In prevention, the country obtained 40.8 points, down from its 2021 result. Its performance included relatively strong results in immunization, while antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases and biosecurity remained areas requiring further attention.

One of the most significant weaknesses concerns biosafety and responsible scientific practices. The results point to the need for stronger mechanisms to manage biological risks and ensure that scientific research involving potentially dangerous materials is conducted within appropriate safety frameworks.

Early detection and disease reporting represent a stronger area for Morocco. The country's score in this category rose substantially compared with 2021, reflecting progress in laboratory capacity, disease surveillance and information sharing.

Morocco recorded particularly strong results in surveillance data availability and transparency, while laboratory systems and their supply chains also contributed positively. However, weaknesses remain in case-based investigations and the availability of specialized epidemiological personnel.

The country also improved its capacity for rapid response and containment. Nevertheless, preparedness planning and emergency simulation exercises remained relatively limited, while coordination between health and security authorities emerged as a particularly important area for improvement.

Some elements of Morocco's emergency response infrastructure received strong scores, including measures related to trade and travel restrictions, communications infrastructure and risk communication. These results illustrate the uneven nature of the country's preparedness: certain response mechanisms have strengthened, while practical planning and institutional coordination still require greater development.

Health system capacity remains one of Morocco's most challenging areas. The country obtained only 30 points in this category despite improving its performance compared with 2021.

Among the main concerns are healthcare supply chains, human resources and the deployment of medical countermeasures. Access to healthcare recorded a stronger result, but communication with healthcare workers during emergencies remained a significant weakness.

Strengthening medical supply chains, expanding the health workforce and establishing more effective communication channels during crises could therefore play an important role in improving Morocco's preparedness for future outbreaks.

Morocco recorded 41 points in national commitments, financing and compliance with international standards. The results point to the importance of maintaining sustainable funding for health security while strengthening international cooperation, data sharing and mechanisms for joint evaluation.

The country's strongest overall performance was recorded in the broader risk environment, where it achieved 52.1 points. This category considers factors such as political and security risks, social and economic resilience, infrastructure, environmental threats and public health vulnerabilities.

Morocco's performance comes within a broader improvement in health security across Africa. The continent's average score increased from 32.4 points in 2021 to 41.5 in 2026, with 52 of the 54 countries recording an improvement of at least one point.

Early detection and disease reporting experienced the strongest continental progress. Improvements in surveillance systems, including wastewater monitoring and genomic surveillance, have helped several countries strengthen their ability to identify emerging health threats.

Despite this progress, the index highlights persistent weaknesses across the continent, particularly in biosafety, biosecurity, sustainable financing and the availability of specialized health personnel. The report also points to gaps in monitoring facilities that handle dangerous pathogens and in publicly documented health-security financing commitments.

For Morocco, the 2026 results reflect meaningful progress since 2021 but also underline the need for continued investment. Strengthening laboratories, healthcare infrastructure, epidemiological expertise, biosafety systems and emergency coordination could help the country improve its resilience to future health crises.

The broader African picture suggests that health security is improving, but progress remains uneven. With infectious diseases, climate change and geopolitical instability creating new risks, sustained investment and stronger regional cooperation will remain essential to ensuring that Morocco and other African countries are better prepared for the next major public health emergency.