The Ministry of Health Organizes Inaugural Meeting for the Implementation of the WHO Framework for PWLE Engagement

The “Implementation of the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of Cancer Patients in Morocco” event organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Control in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is a two-day stakeholder alignment meeting held in Rabat, Morocco, on November 4-5, 2024. As the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to host this meeting, following Syria, Morocco is setting a precedent for integrating the voices of persons with lived experience of cancer (PWLE) into policy and program development.

In alignment with the National Multisectoral Strategy for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (2019-2029) and the National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2020-2029), this initiative emphasizes a patient-centered approach that extends beyond healthcare to involve social and economic sectors. This historic meeting included PWLE, patient advocate groups (PAGs), representatives from the Ministry of Health and other government departments, healthcare professionals (HCPs), research institutes, and support associations. Together, they explored factors that empower PWLE and prioritized activities to promote a participatory approach.

Representing NABD-BC2, Madam Ikram Eseghir, the association’s president, was invited to present NABD-BC2’s objectives, achievements, and ongoing efforts to support PWLE in Morocco. Her presentation underscored the essential role of patient-centered, multisectoral efforts in advancing cancer care and strengthening the resilience of those affected by cancer.

The objectives of this meeting included presenting the WHO framework, fostering stakeholder connections, discussing framework principles and implementation, and formulating a preliminary action plan. Expected outcomes include strengthened communication channels, an assessment of current engagement levels, and a well-defined action plan detailing specific roles for each stakeholder. The workshop aimed to build sustainable, multisectoral partnerships for meaningful engagement in cancer care through group discussions and patient-facilitated sessions.

NABD-BC2 Association regards this event as a historic moment for Morocco, marking a major step forward in centering patients within the decision-making process and ensuring the representativeness of PWLE voices in cancer policy development.

NABD-BC2 expresses its appreciation for the collaborative efforts made during this event, which mark an essential step forward in meaningful cancer care engagement in Morocco. The association looks forward to continued partnerships that empower persons with lived experience of cancer and enhance support networks within the healthcare framework.

NABD-BC2; let your voice be heard!