Morocco stages second anti-poverty campaign

Morocco is launching this Monday its second anti-poverty campaign that consists of collecting funds from individuals, companies and associations to alleviate poverty in the country.

Held under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI, the campaign is based on the solidarity of the haves with the have-nots. A special account was opened at all banking institutions for persons wishing to make a contribution. Other promotion materials, including tee-shirts and stamps, are also available.

Last year, Morocco raised more than 86 million DH ($8.6 million) in cash and other contributions.

According to official figures, around 13% of Moroccans are under the poverty line, and over 300,000 live on less than one dollar a day. A wide gap separates rural and urban areas: Poverty affects 7% of cities' populations and 18% of persons living in the rural world. A rate of 10% belongs to families whose annual per capita expenses do not exceed 3,047 DH ($347) in cities and 2,011 DH ($201) in the countryside.

A UNDP report says 42% of Moroccans do not have access to sanitation, 35% do not have drinking water and 38% do not enjoy any health service.