Morocco launches national mental health strategy!

Morocco's Health Minister Hicham Tahraoui announced on April 30, 2025 a national mental and mental health strategy aimed at establishing mental well-being as part of the public health system and closing gaps in care. Planned measures include integrating mental health services into primary care, developing a legal framework, improving the training of specialists and creating a crisis intervention system.

The minister emphasized the current neglect of mental health, which is closely linked to social and economic stability. However, concrete implementation steps or a timetable were not mentioned, and the financing of the measures remains unclear. A draft law on emergency medical care is intended to create a clear legal framework; However, there is currently no draft text available. According to the government, 60% of the financially effective measures have already been implemented within the framework of a social dialogue, in terms of wage increases, the upgrading of certain professional groups and adjustments to the social security system.

Draft law and social reforms

The government also planned a “new social compact” to develop sustainable solutions in areas such as employment, social protection and tax transparency. While some unions acknowledge progress, they call for greater implementation on working conditions and participation. These health and social care announcements could demonstrate the government's political capacity ahead of the upcoming general election. However, there remains a discrepancy between the announcement and actual implementation, as there are no concrete steps or budget plans for the proposed projects. Mental illness is widespread in Morocco.

In addition to Morocco's initiatives, WHO said in a report that mental health conditions affect between a third and half of people who use primary health care. In the WHO European Region, over 125 million people live with mental illness, only a fraction of whom receive the care they need. Access gaps result from a lack of trained professionals, inadequate facilities, and stigma and discrimination. Therefore, primary health care is highlighted as a crucial starting point to build trust in health systems and respond early to the needs of those affected, as the WHO explains in its report.