SIDA*, HIV & STIs in Morocco
L'humdullah, Morocco has yet to experience a large-scale HIV/AIDS epidemic. The virus remains concentrated mostly in urban areas, and currently affects approximately 33,000 Moroccans (UN estimate, 2012). However, Morocco’s current challenging economic conditions, as well as cultural norms, represent public health obstacles that support the spread of HIV.
The prevalence of STIs, high levels of unemployment, clandestine acceptance of professional sex work, low social position of women, high stigmatization of HIV/AIDS and the widespread presence of misinformation has created a favorable environment for an outbreak of epic proportions.
Data:
- UNAIDS Morocco data sheet (2012)
- "The epidemiology of HIV infection in
Morocco", International Journal of STD & AIDS (2013)
*SIDA is the French language acronym for AIDS.
HIV/AIDS Organizations in Morocco
Morocco enjoys an extensive network of HIV/AIDS organizations and programs. Morocco’s Ministry of Health partners with two main organizations as well as associations across Morocco.
PCVs are welcome to contact these organizations for resources and assistance. Bother offer support for prevention, testing, treatment, councilling and advocacy with all populations. Each has centers in Morocco’s major cities and representatives in smaller towns.
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Association de Lutte Contre Le SIDA (ALCS)
(The Association for the Fight Against AIDS)
http://www.alcsmaroc.ma/public/
Phone: 081002525
ALCS manages mobile testing vans that travel around Morocco giving free, anonymous testing. You can work with them to arrange workshops with their experts and include a visit from the mobile testing van. They also offer comprehensive brochures on SIDA prevention.
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Organisation Panafricaine de Lutte contre le SIDA (OPALS)
(Pan African Organization for the Fight Against AIDS)
http://www.vih.org/pays/maroc
This French organization has representatives all over Morocco ready to assist you with your SIDA prevention activities. They have testing facilities in many cities.