[Pilot project on safe motherhood in the Fes-Boulemane and Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate regions 1995-2000]

Morocco suffers a higher level of maternal mortality relative to its current level of socioeconomic development. Elements are described of a pilot project conducted upon safe motherhood in the eight provinces of Fes-Boulemane and Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate regions during 1995-2000. The project focused upon improving capacities to effectively manage five obstetrical complications. All stages of the project were implemented with the considerable involvement of regional teams. One salient finding of the pilot project is that travel distance cost and poor service within healthcare facilities all discourage women from seeking child delivery in a specialized professionally staffed facility. The quality of healthcare services and patient accommodation must be improved but the target population must also be sensitized using information education and communication approaches to the merits of receiving obstetrical care. A series of messages was created and disseminated to that end. Project extension activities are ongoing. This pilot project proved successful with most program activities effected on schedule.