Moroccan Health Minister Khaled Ait Taleb has issued urgent directives to health officials in the kingdom following the classification of monkeypox as a global health emergency in Africa. The instructions emphasize the necessity of taking measures to detect cases, treatment methods, early identification of any incoming cases, and managing them to prevent the spread of the disease within the kingdom. The ministry has demanded immediate implementation of these measures by regional and local health officials.
The Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection reported five confirmed cases of monkeypox disease as of March 2024, all of which were imported into Morocco without resulting in secondary infections among contacts. The cases were noted to be medically mild and fully recovered without complications. The ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the epidemiological situation of monkeypox (Mpox), which is currently spreading significantly and rapidly in several African countries, as part of the international epidemiological surveillance system.
Additionally, the national plan for epidemic monitoring and response is being implemented in response to the evolving international epidemiological situation, as well as advancements in knowledge regarding this disease and World Health Organization recommendations. According to "Hespress," a source within the Ministry of Health indicated that no cases of monkeypox have been recorded in Morocco for months. The same source added, "We are closely monitoring the international epidemiological situation." It should be noted that a proactive national plan has been in place and operational since June 2022 in Morocco.
