Morocco : The number of people living with HIV has reached 13,322 in 2017

The cumulative total number of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) reported is estimated at 13,322 in 2017, of which 52% recorded between 2012 and the end of June 2017, says the Ministry of Health.

According to the Ministry's data, three regions host 50% of the people diagnosed with HIV namely : Souss Massa, Casablanca-Settat and Marrakech-Safi. 67% of the new HIV infections occur in the most populated areas in the country.

HIV prevalence is estimated at 1.3% for female professionals (FSP) and 4.3% for homosexual men, compared to 8% for people who inject drugs. This prevalence exceeds to 5% in some cities (5.7% in Marrakech among MSM, 13.2% in Nador and 7.1% in Tetouan among IDPs).

Regarding the progress made in the prevention, detection and access of PLHIV to care and psychological and social support, prevention programs have been extended to cover 160,960 people, among group of people most exposed to HIV infection in 2016.

In addition, the testing offer has been extended to 1,200 health centers and NGOs. The number of people tested for HIV has increased by approximately 3 times between 2012 and 2016, from 218,951 to 605,746.

Morocco celebrates on December 1st the World AIDS Day. On this occasion, a national HIV testing campaign was launched on the 27th of November and will continue until the 27th of December. Its main objective is to promote HIV testing and raise awareness among citizens.