Moroccan Impactful Women in Healthcare 2024
VitaVox Institute celebrates Moroccan women advancing healthcare, with the 2024 edition highlighting leaders whose work strengthens cancer care, prevention and access.
In March, VitaVox Institute wants to honor women committed to Morocco’s healthcare ecosystem through Moroccan Impactful Women in Healthcare 2024.
With the generalization of health insurance in 2024, Morocco is undertaking one of the most important structural and social reforms of the last thirty years. This initiative involves men and, above all, women from across the health sector, including the pharmaceutical industry, university hospitals, public and private hospitals, medical schools, research centers and public administration. According to the WHO, although women represent nearly 70% of the health workforce, they hold only 25% of leadership positions in the sector worldwide, and Morocco is no exception to this trend.
It is in this spirit that VitaVox Institute is launching “Moroccan Impactful Women in Healthcare 2024”, highlighting these women agents of change and their remarkable contributions.
Moroccan Impactful Women in Healthcare 2024 is an initiative to celebrate and support women leaders in healthcare in Morocco. This year, the project places special emphasis on cancer control, a major priority for Moroccan public health.
The women highlighted by this project represent a diverse range of health professionals, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and advocates. By showcasing these remarkable women, Moroccan Impactful Women in Healthcare 2024 aims to promote the visibility of women in healthcare, shift cultural perceptions and inspire future generations.
Discover the remarkable journeys of these women leaders selected by VitaVox Institute for 2024, who are leaving their mark on Morocco’s healthcare landscape:
- Pr. Rajaa Aghzadi: Member of the Special Commission on the Development Model, cancer surgeon specializing in breast cancer, and President of the Moroccan Association for the Fight Against Breast Cancer (AMLCS).
- Dr. Latifa Belakhel: Head of the Noncommunicable Diseases Division at the Ministry of Health, playing a crucial role in the monitoring and management of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
- Pr. Karima Bendahhou: Head of the Greater Casablanca Cancer Registry, bringing valuable expertise in cancer surveillance and prevention.
- Dr. Lamia Chakiri: Regional Director of the Ministry of Health for Marrakech-Safi, with long experience in public health.
- Mme. Latifa Cherif: Member of the Social Sectors Committee in the Moroccan Parliament, founder of Les Amis du Ruban Rose after her own fight against breast cancer.
- Dr. Asmaa El Azhari: Physician in charge of the Palliative Care Unit at the Mohammed VI Center for Cancer Treatment, and founder and president of the Moroccan Association for Palliative Care.
- Mme. Hajar El Haity: Health journalist at Le Matin Group, providing reliable and relevant reporting on critical health issues.
- Mme. Bahija Gouimi: Founder and President of Association AMAL, member of the UICC in Geneva and author of several books on cancer.
- Mme. Fatima Khair: RNI parliamentarian and advocate for access to care and gender parity in the health sector.
- Dr. Myriam Nciri: Founder of Association Dar Zhor, offering a support space for people affected by cancer.
- Pr. Karima Oualla: Renowned medical oncologist, actively contributing to cancer research and cancer control internationally.
- Mme. Selma Oufqir: Deputy Director General in charge of Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO) at CNSS, playing a key role in managing health benefits.
- Mme. Lamia Tazi: Chair of the Board and CEO of Sothema Laboratories, contributing to the development of Morocco’s pharmaceutical industry.
- Mme. Mia Lahlou Filali: Leader of Pharma 5, a generic medicines leader in Africa, working to expand access to essential medicines.
- Mme. Myriem Tamimy: General Manager of GSK Morocco and the first woman president of the Executive Bureau of the Moroccan Pharmaceutical Companies Association.
VitaVox Institute supports and celebrates these inspiring women who embody courage, determination and compassion, and who work tirelessly for a healthier and more equitable world for all.
These are only a few names among countless others whose daily struggles and achievements touch lives and uplift communities.
Join us for the 2025 edition, where we will continue to celebrate and honor these extraordinary women shaping the future of healthcare in Morocco.