Announcement of Morocco Strengthens Health Services on February 22, 1990

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, U.S.A. e Telephone: (202) 477-1234 BANK NEWS RELEASE NO. 90/55 Contact: Richard Kollodge (202) 477-4507 MOROCCO STRENGTHENS HEALTH SERVICES WASHINGTON, February 22, 1990 -- Morocco will reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, control the spread of disease, and make basic health services more accessible to the poor through a project being supported by a $104 million World Bank loan. Budgetary constraints have caused Morocco to reduce spending on health care during the 1980s. Today, about 40 percent of the population--especially mothers and children in rural areas--have no access to health care. The project, which will help the government rebuild its health services, emphasizes investments in primary health care and basic diagnostic and emergency services in provincial hospitals. The project covers improvements in maternal and child health care, family- planning services, and nutrition programs. Programs to control diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria will be bolstered. The project includes rehabilitation of about 150 dispensaries and health centers in rural and urban areas, 17 rural hospitals, and the emergency and diagnostic services of 20 provincial hospitals. Most of these facilities will receive equipment and medical supplies, and staff will receive training. Life expectancy in Morocco is 63 years, and the infant mortality rate is about 73 for every 1,000 live births. The annual population growth rate is about 2.3 percent, which means that Morocco's population, estimated at 24.5 million, could double in 30 years. Half of all deaths reported in the country occur among infants less than one year old, and most of these deaths occur during the first month of life. Three of every four births are not attended by a trained health worker, increasing the risk of maternal or infant death in the event of complications during delivery. The World Bank loan is for 20 years, including five years of grace, with a variable interest rate, currently 7.75 percent, linked to the cost of the Bank's borrowings. It also carries an annual commitment charge of 0.25 percent on the undisbursed balance. Note: Money figures are in U.S. dollar equivalents.