Measles Outbreak in Chichaoua: More Than Ten Deaths

The mountainous and rural areas of Chichaoua province are experiencing a high spread of measles, also known as “Bouhamron”, affecting both children and adults. This situation has led to many cases of infection and several deaths.

According to local human rights sources, the death toll has exceeded ten, the majority of whom are children. Local associations point the finger at the provincial delegation of health and social protection in Chichaoua, accusing it of failing to take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

A health system under fire from critics

The Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and Human Coexistence said the catastrophic health situation is due to “the negligence of the health authorities responsible for providing health care in these remote areas.” The organization also said it was surprised by “the lack of preventive plans and urgent measures to deal with epidemics and diseases.”

The Federation of Sksawa Associations in Chichaoua also denounced “the absence of elected councils and their lack of seriousness in their constitutional roles in health and social services.” It called for “provincial coordination to deal with this real danger.”

The same sources reported that the health delegation has taken exceptional measures in the last 24 hours to combat the epidemic. Among these, we note the mobilization of all health institutions in the province to monitor and treat infected cases, as well as the organization of medical caravans in mountainous and rural areas to vaccinate children and adults who have not yet been vaccinated, and closely monitor all suspected cases of measles.

Urgent health measures

The provincial delegation of health and social protection in Chichaoua denied, in a recently published press release, the rumors concerning the death of seven children from the same village following a measles infection. The press release specifies that only one child died.

In the face of this health crisis, local associations continue to call for stricter measures and better coordination between the various health actors to prevent the spread of measles and protect the most vulnerable populations. The mobilization of resources and a rapid and coordinated response are crucial to contain the epidemic and avoid further loss of life.

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