Noncommunicable diseases in Morocco: a growing challenge

Hypertension, diabetes, cancer... these are silent killers. In Morocco, the response is taking shape: innovative policies, awareness campaigns and expanded access to care.

24 September 2025 - Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the most pressing public health challenges in Morocco. They account for nearly 85% of all deaths, including 24% of deaths among people aged 30 to 70.

The national STEPS survey, conducted among adults aged 18 and over in 2017-2018 to collect standardized data on NCDs and their risk factors, revealed that 94.3% had at least one risk factor for NCDs. These included smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and excess weight. The numbers are striking: 29.3% were hypertensive, 10.6% had diabetes, 10.4% were pre-diabetic, 11.7% were smokers, 21.1% had insufficient physical activity, 76.3% did not meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, 53% were overweight and 20% were obese.

Beyond the health impact, NCDs place a significant financial burden on Morocco's health care system. Four conditions alone (end-stage kidney disease, cancer, severe hypertension and diabetes) consume over 73% of spending on long-term illnesses.

While the demand for care is growing, the resources remain limited. Morocco has only 1.5 health care workers per 1000 people, far below the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of 4.45.

This situation is even more concerning in the context of Morocco's demographic transition. With rising life expectancy and declining fertility rates, the population is aging rapidly. Currently, 2.57 million older adults live with at least one NCD. If current trends continue, this number could reach 3.9 million by 2030, according to the High Commission for Planning.

A national strategy for a multisectoral response

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection launched the National Multisectoral Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2019-2029), supported by a national charter signed by 25 partners, including 13 government ministries.

Morocco has made significant progress in implementing this strategy, starting with the construction and equipment of oncology centres, psychiatric hospitals, reproductive health referral centres and addiction treatment centres, with the support of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.

Structured screening programmes have been implemented for breast and cervical cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, Morocco has developed clinical guidelines and therapeutic protocols, particularly for diabetes and cancer, and strengthened the capacities of health care professionals by integrating NCD management into primary health care services through the WHO HEARTS approach to improving cardiovascular health.

With support from WHO, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has conducted several national surveys, including the in 2017-2018 STEPS survey and multiple editions of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, to monitor the prevalence of NCD risk factors.

Furthermore, Morocco's Health Reform Strategy (2019-2029) aims to achieve universal health coverage through mandatory health insurance, including for NCDs. The Strategy includes the prevention of risk factors (such as unhealthy diet, tobacco, alcohol and physical inactivity), integration of NCD care into primary health services and awareness campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles.

In addition, several multisectoral strategic plans have been developed: a mental health plan (targeting 2030), a prevention and management of addictions plan (2024-2030), a diabetes plan (2025-2034), and two national cancer control plans (2010-2019 and 2020-2029).

Palliative care: a human-centred response to NCDs

More than 163 000 Moroccans require palliative care each year due to chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Palliative care, once overlooked, is now recognized as a strategic pillar of Morocco's health system. Since 2010, it has been integrated into the national cancer plan, alongside screening, diagnosis and treatment. This reflects a shift towards a comprehensive and compassionate approach to health, focused on relieving suffering and preserving patient dignity.

In collaboration with WHO, Morocco has established palliative care units in all university hospitals and regional oncology centres and deployed mobile teams to provide home-based care. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has developed a practical guide and a national evaluation framework for palliative care based on WHO indicators, and introduced certified continuing-education programmes on palliative care for health care professionals, with modules integrated into medical training curricula.

Morocco's fight against NCDs reflects a broader transformation of its health system, one that places people at the centre. The integration of palliative care into the national strategy demonstrates a commitment to addressing not only the medical, but also the human and social dimensions of chronic illness, paving the way for a more equitable, resilient and people-centred health system.