On Friday, February 21, 2020 in Rabat, Mr. Mohamed BENCHAABOUN, Minister of Economy, Finance and Administration Reform, Mrs. Jamila El Mossalli, Minister of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family and Mrs. Leila FARAH MOKADDEM, Resident Representative of the National Office of the African Development Bank in Morocco, signed a financing agreement in the amount of 204 million US dollars (approximately 1.97 billion dirhams), for the implementation of the Social Welfare Improvement Support Program (PAAPS).
This Program supports Morocco’s efforts for more inclusive social welfare, especially for people with disabilities, children and vulnerable women. It aims to promote a more inclusive regional approach to policy development. In fact, it will allow for the percentage of beneficiaries of medical coverage to reach 80% by the year 2023.
The PAAPS will also strengthen health and social welfare facilities in the regions, especially in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Draa-Tafilalet and Guelmim-Oued Noun regions, through the construction of a regional hospital center in Guelmim as well as a specialized hospital in Ouarzazate. It will also ensure the renovation of 100 Primary Health Care Facilities in rural areas and the compliance of 31 Social Welfare Institutions with Law 65-15 in the three regions mentioned above.
On this occasion, the Minister welcomed the high level and quality of cooperation between Morocco and the African Development Bank and thanked this institution in the person of Mrs. Leila FARAH MOKADDEM, for the invaluable and constant support it provides to Morocco in the implementation of key structural reforms.
The Representative of the African Development Bank also welcomed the excellent partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco. She stated that this project strengthens the continuity of the Bank’s support in the field of social welfare with a series of operations initiated 15 years ago. She also pointed out that this is a strategic program with a strong ambition for results, adding that the essence of this project is the citizen, who is the top priority.
Following this signing, Mr. Mohamed BENCHAABOUN and Mrs. Leila FARAH MOKADDEM reaffirmed their willingness to work further to strengthen this exemplary cooperation.
