African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | 28 August 2001
Policy Brief: Analysing Systemic Challenges in Maternal Healthcare Provision in Morocco
Y, a, s, m, i, n, a, A, l, a, o, u, i, ,, A, m, a, l, E, l, A, m, r, a, n, i, ,, O, m, a, r, T, o, u, i, m, i, ,, K, a, r, i, m, B, e, n, j, e, l, l, o, u, n
Abstract
Maternal healthcare in Morocco has seen reform, yet systemic challenges continue to affect service delivery. Access to essential medicines remains a critical vulnerability within the broader context of infrastructure and human resource constraints. This policy brief analyses systemic barriers to maternal healthcare provision in Morocco, focusing specifically on challenges within the pharmaceutical supply chain for essential obstetric medicines. It aims to identify key policy gaps and propose actionable recommendations. The brief employs a qualitative case study approach, synthesising data from a desk review of policy documents, grey literature, and existing programme evaluations. The analysis focuses on institutional frameworks, logistical processes, and service delivery experiences related to maternal health commodities. A central finding is the recurrent stock-out of essential uterotonics and antihypertensives at peripheral health centres. This undermines the management of postpartum haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders and is attributed to fragmented logistics management and forecasting inaccuracies within a decentralised procurement system. Systemic weaknesses in the pharmaceutical supply chain constitute a significant, remediable barrier to quality maternal care in Morocco. Addressing these logistical failures is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and achieving maternal health targets. Key recommendations include: (1) strengthening national forecasting and integrated logistics management for maternal health commodities; (2) enhancing training for healthcare workers in logistics data management; and (3) establishing a dedicated monitoring framework for the availability of essential obstetric medicines at point of care. Maternal health, health policy, pharmaceuticals, supply chain, Morocco, healthcare systems This brief provides a focused analysis for policymakers, distilling complex systemic issues into actionable points for strengthening the maternal health medicine supply chain in Morocco.