Abstract:
Morocco has considered the fight against micronutrient deficiencies as a priority for half a century. The various actions developed since 1972 have contributed to reducing the prevalence of these deficiencies and consequently lowering the level of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The strategy adopted in Morocco is based mainly on three actions, namely the supplementation of vulnerable populations with micronutrients made available to them free of charge in all health structures, nutritional and health education which aims to promote the consumption of foods rich or enriched with micronutrients and raising awareness among the population about the means of prevention against these deficiencies and finaly the fortification of foods with vitamins and minerals.
The national nutrition Survey conducted in 2019 gave the evolution of these deficiencies in Morocco, 34.4% of women of reproductive age are anemic and 30.3% have an iron deficiency and 11.7% have a folic acid deficiency compared to 23.9% in 2008. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency affects 78.8% of women.
Among children aged 6 to 59 months, 47.5% have anemia and 23.5% have an iron deficiency. The survey showed that vitamin A deficiency is no longer a public health problem in Morocco, only 6.8% among these compared to 41% in 1996 and 22.3% in 2008. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency affects 31.4% of these children.
Among children aged 6 to 12 years, 23.8% are anemic and 11.9% have iron deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is present in 10.9%. Creatinine - corrected urine iodine showed iodine deficiency in 21.6% of these children and a median of 117.4 µg/g creatinine. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency affects 30.4% of these children.
The strategy implemented must be dynamic, global and involving all partners.
