Azilal breaks deadly winter pattern with zero carbon monoxide fatalities

Carbon monoxide poisoning deaths have dropped sharply this winter in Morocco’s mountainous Azilal province, with health officials reporting zero fatalities so far, a marked improvement compared with previous years.

Local medical sources told Hespress that strengthened prevention measures and closer coordination between health services and local authorities have significantly reduced the mortality rate linked to unsafe heating practices during the current cold season. The goal, they said, is to sustain this positive outcome and maintain zero deaths throughout the winter.

Between 22 and 28 December, as temperatures fell below freezing, 15 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning were recorded. Most patients have since recovered and are in stable condition, with several already discharged, according to Dr Mohamed Amine Hamza, director of the provincial hospital in Azilal.

Hamza said the hospital has treated a total of 48 gas poisoning cases since the start of December, largely caused by the use of firewood or charcoal heaters in poorly ventilated spaces. “This year we adopted a clear objective: zero deaths,” he said, after previous winters saw repeated fatalities from what is often called the “silent killer”.

Authorities have intensified awareness campaigns, including home visits in remote and mountainous areas to advise families on safe heating practices. Hamza stressed that cases are not limited to rural households or people with low levels of education, noting that highly educated residents are also affected.

The hospital has implemented a triage system, treating mild cases at local health centres while transferring moderate and severe cases to the provincial hospital. Coordination is also ongoing with a military field hospital set up by royal instructions as part of the national “Riaya” cold weather programme.

Civil society actors welcomed the progress but warned that structural challenges remain. Omar Oziad, a local activist from Tamda Nomarsid commune, called for long-term solutions, including access to safer electric or certified gas heating, stronger public awareness campaigns in Amazigh-language media, and legislation tailored to mountain regions, including climate-adapted housing standards.