Rabies Persists in Morocco Despite Eradication Efforts; Ministry Aims for 2030 Elimination

Despite concerted efforts to combat this zoonotic disease, rabies continues to afflict Morocco, with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection recording 17 cases of human rabies in 2022. The regional breakdown reveals 2 cases in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, 3 in Fez-Meknes, 3 in Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, 1 in Beni Mellal-Khenifra, 1 in Casablanca-Settat, 4 in Marrakech-Safi, and 3 in Souss-Massa. Alarmingly, an average of 20 human rabies cases and 400 animal rabies cases are reported annually in the country.

In a staggering 90% of instances, the source of transmission is a rabid dog, underscoring the critical importance of canine vaccination in combating this virulent disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccinating 70% of dogs could practically eradicate rabies in Morocco, not only reducing human fatalities but also minimizing the need for post-exposure prophylaxis for bite victims.

However, Morocco's national rabies control strategy has yet to achieve eradication, hindered by several factors. Chief among them is the lack of reliable data on the domestic dog population, exacerbated by inadequate continuous training for healthcare professionals and the absence of a comprehensive evaluation of the national program.

Insufficient public awareness and communication about the disease pose a major obstacle, compounded by poor intersectoral coordination between animal and human health sectors at central and provincial levels. Additionally, local authorities' failure to enforce hygiene standards in slaughterhouses and public landfills, coupled with inadequate animal vaccination measures, further impede progress.

Access to and availability of rabies vaccines and treatments at anti-rabies centers remain challenging, as does the shortage of trained personnel for post-exposure prophylaxis. The overarching goal is to transition from a containment strategy to an eradication strategy, eliminating rabies from Morocco by 2030.

Rabies, a viral zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system, is fatal in nearly 100% of clinical cases once symptoms appear. While domestic dogs account for nearly 99% of human rabies transmissions, according to the WHO, the disease can also afflict wild animals. Transmitted through saliva, typically via bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucous membranes, rabies poses a particular risk to children aged 5 to 14. The global economic burden of rabies is estimated at a staggering $8.6 billion annually.

As Morocco grapples with the persistent threat of rabies, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection's ambitious goal of eradicating this deadly disease by 2030 underscores the nation's commitment to safeguarding public health and animal welfare. Achieving this objective will require a multifaceted approach, encompassing robust data collection, enhanced coordination, public education, and a comprehensive vaccination program—a formidable challenge, but one that could ultimately save countless lives.