In Morocco, the WHO World Health Report (2004) indicates an adult mortality¹⁰ rate per 1000 population of 160 for males and 104 for females. Life expectancy for males is 68.8; for females 72.8. Healthy life expectancy is 59.5 for males; 60.9 for females.¹¹

HIV/AIDS is a huge burden for sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the region in 2003, an estimated 23-27 million people were thought to be living with the disease which also caused up to 2.5 million deaths. This represents a huge loss and impacts significantly on health systems and social and family structures.

Morocco has been affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Northern Africa. Estimates suggest that in Morocco, between 5 and 30,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2003. There are no figures available for adults and children who are thought to have died from the disease (Table 3).

Table 3 Morocco HIV and AIDS estimates, end 2003

UNAIDS reports:

Morocco’s HIV prevalence rate remains at a relatively low level. However, the National AIDS Control Programme estimates that the number of persons living with HIV has now reached approximately 15,000. While HIV prevalence remains less than 1%, even in the most affected areas of the country, an increase of AIDS cases and HIV prevalence has been observed in some provinces. The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has recently completed the various phases of a National Strategic Plan (NSP) with the main conclusions highlighting: a) increase from 4 to 5 regions infected; b) existence of behavioural, social and economic factors of vulnerability; c) impact of AIDS on certain sectors; and d) confirmation of the relatively high prevalence of STIs in the country. The NSP has also led to the identification of the national programme’s strengths and weaknesses. As a result of this process, a plan of action was formulated for 2002–2004 with the guiding principle of undertaking essential activities focused on the most vulnerable groups in the most affected areas. Simultaneously, the NACP will strengthen multisectoral coordination to ensure national coverage of prevention efforts .¹²