Trematode infection among freshwater gastropods in the Gharb area, Morocco

In the summer of 2012 and the spring of 2013, a snail survey aimed at determining relationships between the distribution of molluscan fauna, various environmental factors and trematode infection was carried out in the Gharb area, Morocco. The molluscan fauna consisted of eleven species belonging to 6 families, (including 9 gastropods and 2 bivalves). Cercariae belonging to five families were collected. Only Melanopsis praemorsa, Lymnea peregra and Lymnaea truncatula issued the cercariae. No case of mixed-species infections was found. The present study, first of its kind at the Gharb region, paved the way for other studies to know information about the distribution and ecology of freshwater molluscs in the region. Keywords : Cercariae, freshwater gastropods, Trematode infection, The Garb area, Morocco.

Contribution of Mobile Teams to Efforts to Eliminate Schistosomiasis at Schistosoma haematobium in Morocco- Narrative Review Article.

Since it was first diagnosed in 1914 in Marrakesh, schistosomiasis has been a public health problem in Morocco for decades. A national control program launched in 1982 has led to a considerable reduction in the incidence and morbidity associated with the disease. Consequently, the program has shifted from disease control to an elimination process launched in 1994. This process aimed to eliminate disease transmission by the end of 2004 and has helped to clear all known foci. Mobile teams were a key element that contributed to the success of this program. They played three important roles: monitoring and control, response, and the transmission of messages

Distribution of Fresh-Water Mollusks of the Gharb Area (Morocco)

To assess changes in the fauna of freshwater mollusks in the Gharb Plain (Morocco), 200 sites spread over five districts were surveyed between May 2012 and May 2013. A total of 11 species were identified. Physella acuta and Melanopsis praemorsa were most frequently encountered. Bulinus truncatus, an intermediate host of schistosomiasis in Morocco, and Planorbarius metidjensis, an intermediate host of schistosomiasis, were not harvested. The absence of these species may be due to a combination of climatic, biological and anthropogenic factors related to the changes that have occurred in the region

Morocco's National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Health Challenges and Lessons Learned

This report aimed to provide an overview of the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in Morocco and to review the actions carried out as part of the national response to this pandemic. The methodology adopted was based on literature review, interviews with officials and actors in the field, and remote discussion workshops with a multidisciplinary and multisectoral working group. Morocco took advantage of the capacities already strengthened within the framework of the application of the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005. A SWOT analysis made it possible to note that an unprecedented political commitment enabled all the necessary means to face the pandemic and carry out all the response activities, including a campaign of relentless communication. Nevertheless, and despite the efforts made, the shortage of human resources, especially those qualified in intensive care and resuscitation, has been the main drawback to be addressed. The main lesson learned is a need to further strengthen national capacities to prepare for and respond to possible public health emergencies and to embark on a process overhaul of the health system, including research into innovative tools to ensure the continuity of the various disease prevention and control activities. In addition, response to a health crisis is not only the responsibility of the health sector but also intersectoral collaboration is needed to guarantee an optimal coordinated fight. Community-oriented approaches in public health have to be strengthened through more participation and involvement of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society in operational and strategic planning

Etude communautaire sur le trachome trachome cécitant chez les communautés les plus désavantagées au Maroc

Le travail consistait à réaliser une étude communautaire sur le trachome cécitant chez les populations des communautés (villages/localités) les plus désavantagées dans les cinq provinces cibles (Errachidia, Figuig, Ouarzazate, Tata et Zagora) en vue d’apprécier la situation épidémiologique du trachome cécitant, de mesurer quelques indicateurs en rapport avec le changement du comportement et du changement de l’environnement et d’évaluer le système de surveillance épidémiologique du trachome cécitant. 45315 personnes ont été examinées dont 14088 enfants de 1 à 9 ans et 25867 de plus de 15 ans. La population préscolaire représente au moins 50% parmi les enfants de 1 à 9 ans dans chaque grappe. Le Trachome Folliculaire (TF) varie, pour la tranche d’âge de 1 à 9 ans, de 0,0% (Figuig) à 3,8% (Agdez à Zagora). Pour les personnes âgées de 10 ans et plus, la prévalence du trachome folliculaire varie de 0,0% (Errachidia) à 1,6% (Bni Tadjite à Figuig). Les formes inflammatoires intenses du trachome sont quasiment absentes chez toute la population examinée dans les villages/ localités des cinq provinces. Ce qui montre que les formes graves de la maladie n’existent plus au niveau des communautés les plus désavantagées

Rabies in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa : building evidence and delivering a regional approach to rabies elimination

The Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa Rabies Control Network (MERACON), is built upon the achievements of the Middle East and Eastern Europe Rabies Expert Bureau (MEEREB). MERACON aims to foster collaboration among Member States (MS) and develop shared regional objectives, building momentum towards dog-mediated rabies control and elimination. Here we assess the epidemiology of rabies and preparedness in twelve participating MS, using case and rabies capacity data for 2017, and compare our findings with previous published reports and a predictive burden model. Across MS, the number of reported cases of dog rabies per 100,000 dog population and the number of reported human deaths per 100,000 population as a result of dog-mediated rabies appeared weakly associated. Compared to 2014 there has been a decrease in the number of reported human cases in five of the twelve MS, three MS reported an increase, two MS continued to report zero cases, and the remaining two MS were not listed in the 2014 study and therefore no comparison could be drawn. Vaccination coverage in dogs has increased since 2014 in half (4/8) of the MS where data are available. Most importantly, it is evident that there is a need for improved data collection, sharing and reporting at both the national and international levels. With the formation of the MERACON network, MS will be able to align with international best practices, while also fostering international support with other MS and international organisations.Mérieux Foundation (MF) and the University of Surrey Doctoral College.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jipham2022BiochemistryGeneticsMicrobiology and Plant Patholog