Morocco has made significant strides in reducing maternal, neonatal, and child mortality rates over the past few decades. However, disparities between urban and rural areas persist, particularly in maternal and infant mortality rates. In rural areas, maternal mortality rates are two and a half times higher than in urban areas, and infant mortality is 37 percent higher.
Najate Nadifi, President of the Riaaya Association for Women's and Children's Health, emphasized the need for all women to give birth under dignified conditions, regardless of their location. Hanae Afrouh, a community health worker in Oulad Ougad, highlighted the goal of equal services for both rural and urban areas. The accessibility issues in rural areas are partly due to the limited proximity to health centers and geographical challenges, Nadifi noted, mentioning potential delays that could endanger pregnant women.
To address these challenges, the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and UNICEF launched a new Community Health Model in 2022. This pilot program, deployed in three regions—Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Draa-Tafilalet, and Marrakech-Safi—covers 14 provinces and 56 rural health centers and relies on collaboration among Rural Health Centers, "Dar Al Oumouma," and community health workers.
"Dar Al Oumouma" provides a safe location for women before and after childbirth. Community health workers, who are trusted locals, ensure continuous support and awareness about prenatal care. Rachida Fethi, a former traditional midwife and now a health worker, stresses the importance of bringing pregnant women to health facilities for checks and childbirth, instead of home deliveries.
Since the pilot's inception, approximately 1,000 community health workers have been recruited and trained across the participating regions. They have engaged with 285,000 women and children, improving access to maternal and child health services.
Reflecting on the pilot's success, a strategy, supported by the World Bank, is being developed to scale up the Community Health Model. This plan involves enhancing program management systems with automated data tools and addressing governance and sustainability. Nadifi highlighted the project's positive impact, especially in reducing child mortality and improving care quality. She expressed hope for this model to be broadened to more localities.