Morocco reaffirmed on Wednesday in Kigali its commitment to African health sovereignty and to the progressive and inclusive implementation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA).
Speaking at the 2nd ordinary session of the Conference of the States Parties to the AMA Treaty, held on June 2-4, Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui hailed the creation of the Agency as a major step towards the continent's health sovereignty, enabling better access to safe, effective and quality medicines.
To Morocco, this continental momentum is a source of inspiration and an opportunity for regulatory convergence,” the Minister emphasized, stressing the importance of an approach tailored to the institutional and regulatory realities of each country, based on listening, consultation and respect for national priorities.
Tahraoui then called for the progressive harmonization of regulatory frameworks, the establishment of regular consultation mechanisms between national authorities and AMA, and the reinforcement of technical and human capacities on a continental scale.
Tahraoui also pointed out that by end 2024, the Kingdom had achieved 88% coverage in compulsory health insurance, adding that 11 million people benefited from direct state support.
A $4.2 billion health infrastructure modernization program is underway, he stated, adding that the number of university hospital centers will go from 6 to 12, while 79 new hospitals are under construction, and 1,439 primary health centers are being renovated, 70% of them in rural areas.
On the industrial front, Tahraoui noted that Morocco is the continent's second-largest pharmaceutical producer, with 56 industrial units covering 70% of national needs and exports to over 45 African countries.
With regard to the appointment of AMA's future Director General, Tahraoui spoke of Morocco's respect to the institutional process currently underway and full confidence in the competent commission to carry it out, in all transparency and impartiality.
(MAP: 04 June 2025)
