Morocco’s success in reducing hepatitis B prevalence highlights progressive strategies

Friday 21 November 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco’s success in reducing hepatitis B prevalence highlights progressive strategies

Morocco has made remarkable strides in controlling the hepatitis B virus (HBV), achieving a low-prevalence status comparable to countries with minimal incidence, according to a new study published in BMC Infectious Diseases. This progress is attributed to the nation’s comprehensive approach, combining vaccination programs, regulatory measures, and public health initiatives.

The study, conducted by seven Moroccan researchers, tracked HBV trends from 2000 to 2024, showing significant advancements since the national vaccination program’s launch in 1999. These efforts, coupled with financial, political, and educational support, have helped Morocco reduce HBV prevalence to levels considered low on a global scale. However, the researchers emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to address gaps in disease management and ensure continued progress.

Expanding research and surveillance efforts

The study analyzed data from sources like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus, revealing a gradual increase in HBV research activity in Morocco. Early in the 2000s, only three studies were conducted, but research expanded significantly between 2009 and 2016, with 13 studies published. This growth coincided with the first national surveys targeting blood donors and active populations, encompassing nearly 520,000 participants.

Between 2017 and 2024, research diversified further, with 14 studies involving over 229,000 participants. Despite this progress, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HBV screening programs, highlighting the fragility of global and national health initiatives during crises.

Vulnerable groups and vaccination outcomes

The study identified higher HBV prevalence rates among high-risk groups, such as patients with renal failure and people living with HIV, with rates reaching 5.43%. These groups face increased vulnerability due to frequent medical interventions, weakened immune systems, and asymptomatic infections that escape routine detection.

Conversely, military personnel exhibited the lowest infection rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns within the Royal Armed Forces and strict blood-donation protocols in military hospitals. Health care workers, while showing a lower prevalence rate of 1.77% compared to the African regional average, still face gaps in vaccination coverage, which ranges between 28% and 55%.

The researchers also highlighted areas requiring further study, such as HBV prevalence among prisoners and newborns of HBV-positive mothers. These gaps must be addressed to achieve the national program’s goal of reducing new infections by 50% by 2026.

International recognition and future goals

The study follows Morocco’s acknowledgment by the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee for its success in controlling hepatitis B. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, this recognition underscores Morocco’s accomplishments in HBV prevention, detection, and treatment. The ministry views this as an important milestone in the country’s broader goal of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat.

The study was led by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Rabat, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), and the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation. Their findings highlight Morocco’s commitment to evidence-based health policies and its role as a regional leader in combating infectious diseases.