Morocco Unveils Bold Strategy to Combat Rising Tobacco Health Crisis

Morocco has launched an ambitious national initiative to tackle its growing tobacco-related health crisis, as announced by Health Minister Amine Tahraoui during a recent address to the House of Representatives. The comprehensive plan aims to reduce smoking rates and address the devastating impact of tobacco use on public health and the economy.

Building upon the foundation of the 2010-2019 National Plan for Cancer Prevention and Control, the new strategy introduces four additional measures as part of its 2020-2029 phase. The program sets an aggressive target of reducing tobacco consumption by 20% among individuals aged 15 and older by 2029.

Recent statistics paint a sobering picture of tobacco's toll on Moroccan society. According to a 2021 ministry study, tobacco use was responsible for 74,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and more than 4,200 new lung cancer diagnoses in 2019 alone. The health impact is stark: smoking accounts for 8% of all deaths in the country, 75% of lung cancer fatalities, and 10% of deaths from respiratory illnesses. In 2019, tobacco use resulted in 12,800 premature deaths.

The financial burden is equally concerning. Tobacco-related healthcare costs drain more than MAD 5 billion ($500 million) from Morocco's economy annually, representing 8.5% of total healthcare expenditures and 0.45% of the national GDP. These costs primarily stem from direct medical care (60.9%), loss of life (33%), and reduced productivity due to illness (6.1%).

Minister Tahraoui emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting tobacco as one of the most significant preventable causes of death. "Every year, nearly 8 million lives are lost to tobacco worldwide. Morocco must take stronger steps to safeguard its population from this tragic reality," he stated.

The new approach prioritizes public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about tobacco's dangers, marking a shift toward preventive measures in the country's healthcare strategy. This initiative aligns with Morocco's broader efforts to address non-communicable diseases and improve public health outcomes.