Schistosomiasis in Morocco: From discovery to after elimination

Abstract

This paper outlines the history of schistosomiasis in Morocco and the efforts made to eliminate it from the country. Since it was first diagnosed in 1914 in Marrakesh, schistosomiasis remained for decades a public health problem in Morocco. A national control programme was launched in 1982 and it led to a considerable reduction in the incidence and morbidity associated with the disease. Consequently, the programme shifted from disease control to an elimination process launched in 1994. This process aimed to eliminate the disease transmission by the end of 2004 and has helped to clear all known foci. Today, the challenge is to maintain schistosomiasis elimination and to be certified schistosomiasis-free by the World Health Organization.