Tragedy in the Mountains: Measles Outbreak Devastates Remote Moroccan Regions

Saturday 10 August 2024 - 12:40

A severe measles outbreak, locally known as “Bouhemroun,” is wreaking havoc in Morocco's remote and mountainous areas, claiming the lives of many children. The crisis has been escalating, with at least eight fatalities reported in Chichaoua and fifteen in Tinghir.

The Moroccan Center for Human Rights has raised alarms over the situation, urging immediate action. The disease has spread rapidly through villages in the provinces of Azilal, Beni Mellal, and the southeastern regions.

In response, the Center has appealed to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for urgent intervention. They emphasize the need for national emergency campaigns and the distribution of vaccines to the most affected areas, aiming to protect children before the school year begins.

Opposition MP Hind Bennani Rtel of the Justice and Development Party has taken action by questioning Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb about the increasing death toll in Tinghir’s Ighil n’Oumgoun municipality. The region has been battling the outbreak for three months, resulting in over ten child deaths. Bennani has called for heightened awareness efforts, increased child vaccinations, and the provision of medical staff in local health centers.

A poignant video circulating on social media highlights the dire circumstances. It features an Amazigh grandmother from Ait Haddou Youssef near Chichaoua, pleading for help for her grandchildren who are battling measles. Tragically, her daughter died from the disease the previous week. According to local sources, one of the children in the video has since died, while the other two remain in intensive care in Marrakech.

Despite the severity of the situation, the Health Ministry has yet to issue an official statement. However, a health sector official disclosed that a "state of health emergency" has been declared in Chichaoua province. Health centers in the area are on high alert to monitor and treat new cases. Tinghir province faces a similar crisis, with over 600 infections and 15 reported deaths, though only 11 have been officially confirmed.

Previously, Morocco had implemented measures to enhance surveillance and immunization efforts. Yet, this outbreak highlights the vulnerability of isolated regions and the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure. As the new school year approaches, swift action is crucial to prevent further tragedy and contain the virus's spread.