The Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS) and AstraZeneca signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday in Rabat to jointly develop Centers of Excellence for rare diseases, aiming to strengthen Morocco's healthcare ecosystem and improve care for patients affected by these conditions. This partnership is part of a broader initiative to provide innovative solutions to patients by facilitating earlier diagnosis, improving access to treatment, and enhancing training for healthcare professionals. It includes the development of advanced diagnostic platforms, the integration of cutting-edge technologies in genetic testing, and the creation of multidisciplinary hubs for care, research, and education. In a statement to MAP, Saber Boutayeb, Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, said the agreement marks the culmination of a collaborative effort with AstraZeneca at the regional level, extending beyond Morocco. Rami Scandar, AstraZeneca's Regional President for the Near East and Maghreb, emphasized that the partnership is built around five key pillars. The first is reducing the average diagnostic time for rare diseases, which can currently take up to five years, thereby improving patient outcomes. The second involves creating genetic testing platforms in collaboration with the Foundation. The third pillar focuses on training doctors, nurses, and caregivers to strengthen support for patients with rare conditions. The fourth addresses equitable access to treatment by introducing medications priced appropriately for the Moroccan context, in coordination with the Ministry of Health. Finally, the fifth pillar seeks to improve epidemiological knowledge of rare diseases in Morocco through data collection and scientific monitoring. This agreement further reinforces AstraZeneca's long-term commitment to sustainable growth and partnership in Morocco. Building on previous successful collaborations with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health, the two parties are charting a shared path to address unmet medical needs and deliver a lasting, tangible impact for patients across the Kingdom.
