Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Youns Bjijou, and US Ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan III, have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on disease surveillance and response. The agreement was signed on November 12, 2026, in Rabat, and marks a new stage in the partnership between the two countries on health security. The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation to enhance national capacities for prevention, surveillance, early detection, and response to infectious diseases.
The STRIDES project, which was launched on the same day, aims to consolidate national capacities for prevention, surveillance, and early detection of infectious diseases, and to improve notification and response mechanisms in case of outbreaks. The project is based on an integrated approach, including the development of epidemiological and environmental surveillance systems, modernization of laboratories, and strengthening of health information systems. The project also follows the "One Health" approach, which recognizes the interdependence between human, animal, and environmental health.
The US has committed $4 million to support the STRIDES project, which adds to over $10 million already allocated to joint health security actions through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The project will focus on four technical areas: strengthening laboratory networks, consolidating integrated surveillance, improving data quality, and enhancing rapid response teams. The project aims to improve the quality and accuracy of epidemiological data, facilitate data sharing and valorization, and develop national competencies and laboratory capacities.
The memorandum of understanding is valid for one year, with the possibility of extension by joint written decision. The technical implementation of the project will be led by Morocco's Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Control, with support from FHI 360, subject to the availability of funding. The cooperation between Morocco and the US covers areas such as epidemiological and environmental surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, emergency preparedness, and laboratory strengthening.
Minister Bjijou emphasized that the project is part of Morocco's efforts to transform its health system, in line with the High Royal Orientations. The goal is to create a more accessible, equitable, and efficient health system that can anticipate and respond to health threats. The minister also stressed the importance of cooperation between the human, animal, and environmental health sectors in addressing infectious disease risks.
Ambassador Buchan III noted that the project marks a new stage in the partnership between Morocco and the US, based on shared objectives, responsibility, and results. He emphasized that diseases do not recognize borders and that no country can address this challenge alone. The project aims to enhance Morocco's preparedness and response to emerging threats, and to improve the quality and accuracy of epidemiological data.
The implementation of the STRIDES project is expected to strengthen Morocco's national health system and its ability to detect and respond to emerging threats. The project will also improve data sharing and valorization, consolidate coordination between sectors and institutions, and develop national competencies and laboratory capacities. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of Morocco's health security and to protect the health of Moroccans, Americans, and people around the world.
Key points
- The US has committed $4 million to support the STRIDES project, which aims to enhance disease surveillance and response in Morocco.
