International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Making obstetric treatment free in Morocco has had a positive impact on women's health in the country, a government official in the country has said.

According to Dr Abdelghani Drhimeur, the Ministry of Health's head of communications, removing charges has been beneficial as it allowed people greater access to various types of treatment, Women's eNews reports.

For instance, he noted more pregnant women, including those from poorer families, are coming into hospital to undergo procedures such as transfusions, caesarean sections and standard deliveries of babies.

The government's approach has also been praised by Jean-Benoit Manhes of Unicef, who said it is showing a "will to improve maternal health" that "does not exist in other countries I've worked in".

"It's an issue of public health and pride," he observed.

Mr Manhes added that public health officials in the country are putting a particularly strong emphasis on cutting the maternal death rate.

Posted by Alexandra George