Over 1,200 Moroccans affected by AIDS, official figures
Morocco, Health, 12/2/2003

Statistics of the Moroccan health ministry say 1,237 Moroccans are affected by AIDS, and between 13,000 and 16,000 persons are HIV positive.

Out of the group of AIDS affected people, 63% are males and 37% females.

Sexual transmission accounts for 73% of cases.

The statistics were released on the occasion of the world anti-AIDS days (Dec.1) that featured a series of awareness events by the Pan-African anti-Aids Organization (OPALS) and the Anti-Aids association (ALCS).

For OPALS chairwoman, Nadia Bezad, although the situation is not yet very worrying in Morocco compared to other African countries, it is important that all the concerned actors get mobilized. OPALS has presented a program revolving around three major axes: medical and psycho-social treatment, prevention and community action. The organization has prepared a CD-ROM, a movie and a set of awareness actions, including visits to schools by physicians who will give courses on sexually-transmitted diseases, inform teens on medical services they can obtain at the association and encourage them to undergo anonymous testing at itinerant centers.

Meanwhile the ALCS said it will focus its awareness events and prevention campaigns on major tourism cities.

The events, which include concerts, distribution of posters and pamphlets, a broad mailing operation with the water bill and a caricature exhibition, will target especially the cities of Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Essaouira.

Chairwoman of the association, Hakima Himmich, said 1,000 families and 100,000 administrations will receive the ALCS message.

The association will also conduct a series of prevention and awareness actions in the poorest districts of Marrakech through an itinerant info-bus which carries a physician and volunteers who answer teens' questions. The bus can also conduct anonymous and free HIV tests for people wishing to have the test.

On its part, the health ministry said it will increase starting next year the anonymous and confidential testing centers as well those that provide treatment to AIDS-affected people.

The ministry said it is collaborating with ngos and international donors to conduct a nationwide strategic plan covering the 2002-2004 period. The plan focuses on three complementary actions: prevention targeting vulnerable populations, detecting HIV infection and treatment of affected persons.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco cut by 90% trachoma prevalence among children, health experts   (11/13/2003)
  Every year, 800,000 babies are born with HIV; one in twenty women tested   (9/24/2003)
  French expert praises morocco's efforts in fighting AIDS   (2/20/2003)
  Morocco, global forum to fight AIDS, sign accord   (1/27/2003)

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