The Moroccan Ministry of National Education and Primary Education has taken steps to address the recent diphtheria outbreak in the Souss-Massa region. On October 1, 2026, the Agadir-Idaouatenan provincial education directorate sent a memo to educational institutions, instructing them to intensify vigilance and prevention measures. This move follows a September 28, 2026, statement by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, which reported two family clusters of diphtheria cases.
The education directorate's memo advises schools to organize awareness activities for students about diphtheria and its prevention. Emphasis is placed on the importance of vaccination and personal hygiene. The directorate also recommends coordinating with health professionals to provide educational presentations within schools. Furthermore, schools are encouraged to ensure regular ventilation of classrooms and study spaces, as well as clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
In addition to these measures, the directorate urges schools to monitor students daily for symptoms such as fever, acute throat inflammation, and breathing difficulties. If such symptoms are detected, schools are required to take necessary precautions and coordinate with families and local health centers. The directorate also requests that school administrators report back to the education authorities with regular updates on the situation.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection had reported two family clusters of diphtheria cases in the Souss-Massa region, with two deaths and eight suspected cases under investigation. According to health authorities, some of the children linked to these clusters had not received the diphtheria vaccine, while others had not completed the recommended vaccination doses.
Upon detecting the cases, the rapid response teams from the Souss-Massa health group activated the epidemic response protocol. They conducted an epidemiological investigation and actively searched for potential cases in the same area. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has called for early detection and vaccination against diphtheria, particularly among children.
The Agadir-Idaouatenan education directorate's proactive measures aim to prevent the spread of diphtheria in schools and ensure a safe learning environment for students. By working closely with health authorities and school administrators, the directorate seeks to minimize the risk of infection and promote awareness about the importance of vaccination.
The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the education directorate's efforts to contain the outbreak and protect students' health are ongoing. Key measures include promoting vaccination, enhancing hygiene practices, and encouraging schools to report any suspected cases promptly.
Key points
- Moroccan education authorities take proactive measures to prevent diphtheria spread in schools
- Ministry of Health reports two family clusters of diphtheria cases in Souss-Massa region
- Education directorate instructs schools to intensify vigilance and prevention measures
