Morocco broadens measures to beat swine flu

2009-09-09

Morocco will offer vaccinations for vulnerable sectors of the population as one of several steps to contain the swine flu virus.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 09/09/09

[Sarah Touahri] Moroccan authorities are distributing face masks in schools as one method of curbing the spread of swine flu.

Morocco is launching a vaccination campaign this October to fight the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, as one of several measures to keep the illness in check. A panel of experts has also been assembled to determine who should receive the vaccine and evaluate the extent of the danger posed by confirmed cases.

Figures released by the Health Ministry indicate that the number of infections in Morocco is dropping. Seven cases are currently being treated, raising the total number of confirmed cases in Morocco to 136. But concerns remain that a "second wave" of cases could emerge.

Omar El Menzhi, director of epidemiology and disease control at the Health Ministry, said that work is currently under way to identify those sectors of the population that would benefit most from this vaccination programme.

Health Minister Yasmina Baddou said at a meeting of the government council on Thursday (September 3rd) that Morocco will work to guarantee all necessary treatment for its citizens.

Baddou also said that control and monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened across all health services in order to contain the virus, particularly when welcoming home those who undertook the Omra pilgrimage.

The head of the ministry's division for communicable diseases, Abderrahman Ben Mamoun, said the aim of the strategy is first and foremost to gain control of the spread of the disease.

Government officials are striving to limit the risk of contagion in the workplace. In a meeting on Wednesday, the minister for work and vocational training, Jamal Rhmani, said that if the disease becomes a pandemic, economic growth will slow down. "The labour market will be severely impacted," he said. Training sessions will be held for doctors and workplace inspectors to make employers and employees aware of the dangers of the disease and how its spread can be halted.

Awareness campaigns will also be run in schools and colleges for teachers, so that they can deal with any cases of contamination. Special attention will be paid to schools in rural areas, which lack the infrastructure to prevent a pandemic.

The role of the teacher is the key to raising awareness among pupils and reporting suspected cases, said El Menzhi. "The teacher must detect suspected cases and isolate them. Masks will be issued to schools," he said.

Days before the start of the new school year, parents voiced their apprehension about the possibility of the flu spreading in classrooms. One parent, Najat Bouchaibi, said that officials had calmed the public. But, she added, this was not to say that the population had been completely reassured.

"We're particularly worried about our children, who are in one of the most vulnerable categories. Are we really ready to face the pandemic? The question remains unanswered, despite government guarantees," she said.

Many Moroccans are speaking in similar terms. Mehdi Batouli, a bank clerk, said that the public is used to the authorities withholding information. He said there were worries about the "real" situation with swine flu in Morocco.

"Statements from the World Health Organization are worrying and call for vigilance. I hope there will be vaccinations for everyone," he said.

Jalal Cherkaoui, a doctor, said there is no need for panic, because the Moroccan state as a whole is taking the necessary steps to contain the virus.

"The [health] ministry has said that it is the most vulnerable categories who will benefit from the vaccine, particularly children and the elderly, as well as those who are constantly exposed to the risk of contamination," he said. "This is an operation which needs to be undertaken with great thoroughness. And I believe Morocco is ready to face the pandemic."