The Association for the Fight Against AIDS in Morocco has revealed a “silent crisis” threatening Morocco’s control over the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease, which it stated is related to the risk of funding shortages for local programs and a lack of testing and prevention supplies.
According to the association, the prevalence of AIDS in Morocco is very low (0.08%), but it is heavily concentrated among the most at-risk groups: gay men, sex workers, injection drug users, and migrants.
This specificity has made it possible to contain the epidemic for decades; however, it simultaneously means that any decline in efforts carries very high risks.
2024 Figures (National Program for the Fight Against AIDS – UNAIDS)
- Approximately 23,500 people are living with the virus, including over 1,080 children under 15 years old.
- About 990 new infections are estimated annually.
- 400 deaths related to AIDS.
- Coverage of antiretroviral therapy reaches 77%, which is among the highest rates in the North Africa and Middle East region.
- The rate of mother-to-child transmission has decreased to less than 7% thanks to regular screening of pregnant women.
According to the association, these figures reflect a real success: community screenings, harm reduction programs, community centers, free treatment, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials that have begun to expand have all contributed to the stabilization, and even regression, of the epidemic in some groups.
The same source clarified that this delicate balance has become threatened today more than ever due to funding cuts. It noted that the gains achieved over decades of work by community associations – primarily the Moroccan Association for the Fight Against AIDS (ALCS) – could evaporate within months if rapid action is not taken.
Urgent Call
On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the association has called for urgent action to protect what it described as the fragile achievements that have been made and to take immediate measures.
- Securing current funding from the Global Fund and preventing any reduction in the Moroccan share.
- Preventing the recurrence of stock shortages of tests and prevention methods provided by the Ministry of Health to community associations.
- Enhancing the commitment of stakeholders, municipalities, and elected councils to support community associations financially and logistically. Global experiences have proven that there is no effective response to HIV without community leadership.
