Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said Thursday that the spread of misinformation about vaccines has contributed to a surge in measles cases across Morocco.
At a press briefing following the weekly government council meeting, Baitas urged parents and civil society groups to support the vaccination campaign launched by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
“The widespread dissemination of false information is scaring citizens away from vaccinations, often exaggerating rare side effects, which are typically minimal and common to all medicines,” Baitas said. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to combat such diseases.”
He added that a growing number of unvaccinated children, along with a decline in vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, has exacerbated the problem.
To address the issue, Baitas noted that the government has implemented a national vigilance system, including 12 regional health emergency centers and the National Center for Emergency Public Health Operations. An extended national vaccination catch-up campaign has been launched, along with public awareness efforts targeting misinformation. Authorities are also coordinating with education and interior ministries to ensure children under 12 are vaccinated and managing cases among close contacts.
The measles vaccination campaign remains ongoing at health centers nationwide. Baitas encouraged citizens to participate and called on organizations to help combat misinformation surrounding vaccines.
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