One year after the Al Haouz earthquake: The health of families and children is important

HIBAPRESS-RABAT-UNICEF

Oumayma, a nurse and midwife from the AMSED association (Moroccan Association for Solidarity and Development) checks with the inhabitants of the village of Targa in the Taroudannt region, their needs before consulting the doctor in order to better guide them and provide them with practical advice.

This action is part of a mobile clinic conducted by the AMSED association with the support of UNICEF, in 40 villages in the province of Taroudannt where it carried out 3,254 consultations, including 2,517 for women and children. In addition, 460 people received psychological support.

The mobile clinic that traveled through the villages of Taroudannt has 10 people including a general practitioner, three nurses, a project coordinator/community facilitator, two people responsible for follow-up with the community, a psychologist and members of the local association that facilitates interaction between the association and the inhabitants.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, UNICEF and the Moroccan association AMSED, are working together to facilitate health services through this mobile clinic in the areas affected by the earthquake in Taroudannt. This mobile clinic provides on-site health assistance to the community, distributes free medicines, offers psychological support with the help of a psychologist, welcomes children and families by offering them listening sessions, and a referral to the national hospital in Taroudannt in case of chronic or serious illnesses.

Psychologist Mohammed in the middle of a listening session with a child experiencing post-earthquake trauma. The psychologist offers advice and practical exercises to overcome the feeling of fear. In this space, the AMSED association, with the support of UNICEF, has created a child-friendly space so that they can express themselves through drawing while waiting their turn with the psychologist.