Cancer Impact Forum #1
A look back at the first Cancer Impact Forum, dedicated to female cancers and the challenges of prevention, care, financing and access to treatment in Morocco.
The current health context in Morocco is marked by significant challenges linked to the growing prevalence of cancer. According to data from the WHO Global Cancer Observatory for 2020, the country recorded nearly 60,000 new cancer cases. Alarmingly, tumors are the second leading cause of death in Morocco, with 35,265 deaths in 2020.
Faced with these concerning figures, it is essential to establish a framework for structured discussions and targeted initiatives to address these crucial public-health issues.
The Cancer Impact Forum
It is in this context that Vitavox Institute organized the Cancer Impact Forum. The Cancer Impact Forum contributes to the debate through a series of meetings and round tables on Morocco’s important advances in the fight against cancer, as well as on the best ways to address its challenges.
The first edition, under the theme Female Cancers: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives, took place on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 in Casablanca, Morocco.
The first edition, under the theme Female Cancers: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives
The round table brought together a panel of experts, health professionals, association representatives, members of parliament and people engaged in the fight against cancer in Morocco. The discussions addressed several aspects, including prevention, patient care, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and financial challenges. Recommendations emerged, including a focus on HPV vaccination, improved governance and communication among health stakeholders, and the need to strengthen prevention and education within the population. Participants expressed the need to turn these discussions into practical and operational action, highlighting the crucial role of patient associations in the process.
Finally, future prospects were considered, with particular attention to equitable access to care and the promotion of research and innovation in the fight against cancer in Morocco.
Participants
- Prof. Raja Aghzadi, member of the Special Commission on the Development Model and practicing cancer surgeon specializing in breast cancer.
- Prof. Samir Ahid, lecturer-researcher in pharmacology, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Euromed University of Fez, and founding President of SMEPS.
- Mr. Réda Benamar, expert in mutual insurance and social protection in Morocco and former Director of Studies, Communication and Development at the CNSS.
- Ms. Ihssane Benbel (moderator), Moroccan journalist, news anchor and head of the social affairs desk at 2M.
- Prof. Mouna Bourhafour, associate professor of medical oncology and head of the day-hospital unit at the Mohammed VI Center for Cancer Treatment at Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca.
- Prof. Rachida Chami, Professor of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine of Casablanca.
- Ms. Latifa Chérif, engaged member of the Social Sectors Committee in the Moroccan Parliament and founder of the association Les Amis du Ruban Rose.
- Prof. Houda Filali, Professor of Pharmacology, head of pharmacovigilance at Ibn Rochd University Hospital and founding president of the Moroccan Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
- Ms. Bahija Gouimi, founder and president of the AMAL Association and patient partner.
- Prof. Jaafar Heikel, epidemiologist, infectious-disease specialist and professor of medicine with expertise in health economics.
- Dr. Myriam Nciri, physician, professional coach and founder of Association Dar Zhor.
- Prof. Karima Oualla, renowned professor and researcher in medical oncology and ambassador of the European School of Oncology.
- Mr. Anouar Sabri, member of parliament and member of the Social Sectors Committee in the House of Representatives of the Moroccan Parliament.
- Mr. Kamal Taibi, president of Vitavox Institute and founder and CEO of StratëusGroup.