Pediatric Oncology in Morocco (english version)

Organized Pediatric Oncology activity started in Morocco in the early 1980s when two units opened at the university hospitals in Casablanca and Rabat. The two teams tried to apply modern protocols but at that time, many drugs were not available. However, the presence of good pediatric surgery, pathology and radiology helped considerably.

In 1986, the National Cancer Institute opened in Rabat, offering better radiotherapy facilities for children. Subsequently, another unit opened in Casablanca, together with private clinics in both Casablanca and Rabat. Physicians trained at the pediatric oncology units, now working in different cities in the kingdom, are thus able to follow patients having maintenance therapy and those in follow-up of treatment for cancer, after the more intensive therapy is completed at one of the major centers.

From the outset, the physicians have been confronted by the lack of government support for the patients. Most cannot afford the cost of treatment and not infrequently, even the cost of travel to the units. The hospitals also have very limited resources. For these reasons, the medical staff have initiated two fundraising groups which have proved to be very efficient. Agir in Casablanca and L’Avenir in Rabat have been able to provide valuable help. For example, in Rabat, L’Avenir has constructed a house for the patients, named Maison de l’Avenir, whilst in Casablanca, Agir has set up a bone marrow transplant unit, the first one in the country, which will open soon. Meanwhile, L’Avenir is working on setting up a bigger unit in Rabat, whilst Agir is also working on a project to construct a parents’ house in Casablanca. The teams are working closely together and in 1996, created the Moroccan Society of Pediatric Oncology, which organized an international SIOP meeting in 1998, and now organizes regular national meetings.