The role of NGOs and associations in health care for migrants in North West Morocco

¹ Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
² Directorate of Population, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
³ Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
⁴ National Agency for Health Insurance (ANAM), Rabat, Morocco
⁵ National School of Public Health (ENSP), Rabat, Morocco

Abstract

Associations working in the field of migrant health are currently an important link to meet the health needs of the migrant population. Draw up their inventory, in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, has been identified as an essential tool to analyze the roles of this category of partners, their experiences and modes of operation with a zoom on their constraints in the realization of their mission. A descriptive study, based on the literature review, interviews and focus groups with migrants, was conducted in 2018, with 25 associations active in the field of health and migration, selected by reasoned sampling; 72% of associations surveyed were created in the 2000s. Mostly between 18 and 60 years, migrants receiving NGO’s services are frequently in a situation of vulnerability and precariousness; 68% are unemployed. There are many reasons for using associations’ health services, mostly by women (56%). In a context of strong competition between the associations themselves, marked by the limits of coordination, the implementation of their health interventions for the benefit of migrants is becoming increasingly difficult. Better coordination between public authorities and associations will help to put in place efficient health interventions that meet the real needs of migrants in Morocco.