Morocco prepares Covid-19 vaccines programme for youths

Morocco is preparing to launch a Covid-19 vaccination campaign for those aged 12-17, according to local media.

Said Afif, a member of the health ministry’s scientific committee, told reports that various government ministries were working on the vaccine scheme for students.

The country has succeeded in a rapid roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine, and has administered the highest number of vaccines of any African country by a significant margin.

Currently almost half the population of 36.5 million people have received one dose of the vaccine, while 12 million have been fully jabbed, according to the health ministry.

Morocco’s success has been attributed to its early acquisition of vaccine deals, its effective deployment of healthcare staff, and the government’s communications strategy with Moroccans.

Reports have it that the Moroccan cabinet has agreed to extend a nationwide state of health emergency until 10 October.

The country is still battling a wave of infections due to the spread of the Delta variant.

In total, nearly 811,000 cases have been recorded in Morocco since the outbreak began, along with 11,792 Covid-related deaths.

BBC/Dominica Nwabufo