The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has launched a national campaign to promote awareness, prevention, and early detection of breast and cervical cancers. Running from October 1 to 31, the initiative coincides with Pink October, the global month dedicated to fighting these diseases. Focused on the importance of screening, the campaign aims to raise awareness among women in the relevant age groups. According to the Ministry, the early detection system for breast and cervical cancers has been strengthened under the first National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2010–2019) and the second plan (2020–2029). Citing the latest report from the Greater Casablanca Cancer Registry (2018–2021), the Ministry notes that breast and cervical cancers are respectively the first and fourth most common cancers among women, representing 39.1% and 6.5% of all cases recorded. In this context, «57 Reproductive Health Reference Centers, 12 Regional Oncology Centers, and 2 centers of excellence in gynecological and breast oncology, located in the university hospitals of Rabat and Casablanca, have been established». In addition, remote areas are now served by «27 mobile mammography units». The campaign also highlights the importance of vaccinating 11-year-old girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV). To this end, measures have been taken to improve access «to vaccination, screening, diagnosis, and treatment services», in coordination with «institutional, associative, and civil society partners». Since October 2022, the HPV vaccine has been included in the National Vaccination Schedule. This measure was formalized through a joint circular issued by the Ministries of Health and National Education to expand vaccination coverage and guarantee free access to the vaccine. The vaccine consists of two doses, administered six months apart.
