KOICA, UNICEF launch project to reduce maternal, child mortality in Morocco
Five-year program targets rural healthcare gaps, aims to improve access for mothers, children, and medical professionals
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF have signed a five-year, $11.7 million partnership to strengthen maternal and child health services in Morocco’s Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, where rural communities face persistent healthcare shortages.
Home to 2.5 million people—roughly 7% of Morocco’s population—the region struggles with limited medical infrastructure, with 21% of residents living more than 10 kilometers away from the nearest health facility.
According to Morroco World New, shortages of doctors, nurses, and midwives, particularly in mountainous areas like Azilal and Khenifra, further compound the challenge.
Despite progress in healthcare, maternal and infant mortality rates remain disproportionately high in rural Morocco. According to the World Bank, maternal mortality in rural areas stands at 111 per 100,000 live births, more than double the urban rate of 45.
The new initiative, titled Improving Health and Nutrition in Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region, Morocco (2025–2029), will directly benefit an estimated 15,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women, 125,000 children under five, and 200 healthcare professionals annually.
Indirectly, more than 1.3 million rural residents across the region are expected to gain from strengthened healthcare delivery systems.
The program, implemented in coordination with Morocco’s Ministry of Health and regional authorities, aims to establish a regional model to reduce preventable deaths, upgrade health infrastructure, and expand access to essential services.
The signing ceremony was attended by Yeon-Jean Yoon, Korea’s Ambassador to Morocco, who called the agreement “a clear demonstration of the long-standing friendship and partnership between Korea and Morocco” and highlighted its alignment with sustainable development goals.
Hyewon Cho, KOICA Country Director, said the initiative underscores Korea’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s healthcare reforms and establishing an effective maternal and child health model with UNICEF’s expertise.
UNICEF’s Morocco Representative, Laura Bill, emphasized that the collaboration reflects “a shared commitment to improving maternal and child health in underserved regions and ensuring equitable access to quality services.”
The project builds on KOICA’s earlier $3.5 million maternal and newborn health program in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, launched in 2021, which trained primary care workers and expanded digital learning for health professionals.
The new effort also supports Morocco’s New Development Model (2021–2035) and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023–2027).
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