Morocco and Japan signed a 27.76 billion-yen ($180 million) loan agreement on Friday in Rabat to support the kingdom’s Development Policy program aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Signed by Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco's Minister Delegate for the Budget, Japanese Ambassador Kuramitsu Hideaki, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Representative Kawabata Tomoyuki, the agreement aims to accelerate progress toward universal health access, particularly improving maternal and child healthcare services in rural areas.
The initiative is expected to enhance healthcare services, including nutrition programs for vulnerable populations, while aligning with the country's 2025 Health Plan and its New Development Model, targeting improved health services and social protection by 2035.
This loan exemplifies the strong and historic relationship between Morocco and Japan, as well as JICA’s long-standing commitment to Morocco’s development efforts, Lekjaa said, emphasizing that over 40 joint development projects have already been implemented across sectors like infrastructure and agriculture.
Ambassador Kuramitsu noted that JICA and Morocco's Health Ministry have collaborated on a health policy matrix focused on the expansion of UHC and improving healthcare quality, especially for mothers and children.
JICA's Kawabata reaffirmed the agency’s support for the program, which is part of Morocco’s ambitious health reform agenda under King Mohammed VI’s vision.
The loan agreement marks a significant boost to Morocco's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, with a focus on resilience, inclusion, and solidarity as it moves towards its 2035 social protection goals.
