Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has developed a National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease for 2026-2030. The plan aims to reduce the incidence of these conditions, which remain a significant public health concern in many low- and middle-income countries.
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever, caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It can lead to rheumatic heart disease, a permanent form of heart valve damage. According to WHO, rheumatic heart disease affects nearly 15 million people worldwide, with the highest burden in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. In Morocco, the exact prevalence is not well documented, but the condition is considered a neglected disease.
The new strategic plan focuses on primary prevention through timely diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis, as well as secondary prevention with regular antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with a history of rheumatic fever. It also includes measures to improve surveillance, strengthen health system capacity, and raise community awareness. The plan aligns with WHO's global strategy to eliminate rheumatic heart disease as a public health problem by 2030.
Implementation will involve collaboration between the ministry, WHO, and other partners. Specific targets, budget allocations, and timelines have not been publicly detailed in the source article. The ministry has not yet released the full text of the plan, but officials emphasize that reducing the burden of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease is a priority within Morocco's broader efforts to strengthen non-communicable disease control.
