Coronavirus crisis, social vulnerability, visibility, and the structure of social policies in Morocco

di Abderrahim Anbi [*]

Introduction 

On March 2, 2020, the Moroccan government confirmed the first case of coronavirus. Less than two weeks after the new virus was declared a worldwide pandemic, His Majesty King Mohammed VI chaired a government council on March 17, 2020, to study all possible effects of the epidemic. Consequently, the Moroccan government adopted a highly restrictive set of measures to contain the spread of the virus [1]. These measures included shutting down all educational activities, suspending international flights and ferry crossings, and closing public venues like coffee shops, restaurants, and other services [2].

By March 20, 2020, Morocco had entered a state of health emergency. This situation revealed many contradictions within the country. The pandemic had profound social and economic effects, leaving an indelible mark on all Moroccan regions. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and the shift to remote work altered the fabric of daily life, prompting reflections on issues ranging from health strains to societal divides [3].

Unlike other developing nations, Morocco adopted an extremely strict lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the lockdown’s significant social and financial implications prevented it from being enforced for very long, it initially helped halt the virus’s spread. After the lockdown was loosened, the pandemic saw a significant resurgence in the summer and fall of 2020, which was eventually contained with the implementation of additional lockdown mechanisms [4].

Economically, the pandemic triggered widespread job losses, business closures, and disruptions to global supply chains, resulting in economic recessions and financial hardship for individuals and businesses alike [5]. Socially, the crisis intensified existing inequalities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable social groups and widening the gap between Moroccan regions in terms of economic and social infrastructure and the equipment of health institutions. These measures, along with a relatively successful early vaccination campaign, worked to limit the spread of the virus until the advent of the Delta variant, which resulted in an even larger resurgence in cases and deaths [6].

Early in the pandemic, following royal directives, the Moroccan government created a special response fund equal to about 3 percent of GDP and undertook several measures to ease the burden on firms by postponing tax payments, social insurance contributions, and loan installments. It also eased monetary policies and bank reserve requirements, established new credit facilities for firms, and expanded existing ones to the tune of about 11 percent of GDP [7]. Individuals also received economic support in the form of soft loans to self-employed workers with year-long grace periods, suspension of loan and mortgage repayments, and delays in income tax payments.

In this context, access to certain support programs for people and businesses was guaranteed by the government. However, more than 90% of microbusinesses and two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses received no assistance at all. Among those who received help, business loans and wage subsidies were the most popular kinds, while a few small and medium-sized businesses benefited from decreased or postponed taxes and postponed social insurance payments by the second quarter. The percentage of households receiving aid decreased from 25% in November 2020 to 13% in June 2021 [8]. Nonetheless, aid was more specifically directed toward the lowest-income households, who saw access reductions at a slower rate than others.

The social support programs included support for workers in formal employment who lost income due to the lockdown through the social security system. Workers whose households were registered with RAMED, the subsidized health care program for low-income and vulnerable families, received assistance for their informal employment. An online platform was developed to facilitate registration for the help program for those not enrolled in RAMED. However, the majority of these aid initiatives were restricted to the months of April through June 2020 [9].

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Moroccan social context was characterized by a combination of progress and challenges, especially with the launch of the National Initiative for Human Development, the widows fund, and various programs targeting health and education. However, existing social challenges, such as poverty, income inequality, education, and crime, required more efficient policies [10]. 

Literature Review  

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the crucial importance of social protection systems. Governments worldwide, including Morocco, responded by implementing extraordinary measures to safeguard public health and provide income support to those who lost their livelihoods. However, the crisis also exposed weaknesses in Morocco’s social protection framework, highlighting the need for urgent reform. In April 2021, the country embarked on a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at reorganizing and improving the efficiency of existing social protection measures. This reform is intended to expand coverage and enhance the effectiveness of current mechanisms. Yet, the initiative poses a significant financial challenge, requiring an annual investment of 51 billion dirhams [11]. Given the strain on Morocco’s public finances due to the pandemic’s economic impact, the government must find ways to meet these financial demands.

Morocco’s early and proactive response to COVID-19 has been widely studied. Although the country’s health infrastructure had its limitations, it was quickly adapted to handle the crisis. Key preventive measures included border closures, isolation protocols, and increased hospital capacity, which was supplemented by military hospitals. To support the healthcare response, Morocco created a special fund with contributions from both the public and private sectors, which helped cover essential health-related expenses. Transparent communication was also a priority, with the government providing regular updates and issuing health recommendations. Civil society played a vital role by offering resources like hotels for healthcare workers and providing volunteer services to manage the crisis more effectively.

In his study, Issam Bennis analyzed Morocco’s approach to managing COVID-19 from March to October 2020. His article, COVID-19 Case Management : The Policy Model in Morocco [12], outlined key policies, challenges, and recommendations. Bennis argued for a balanced approach, combining mass testing, accurate PCR interpretation, and seasonal vaccination to control the virus. He also emphasized the need for better resource allocation and stricter public health measures.

A study led by Mohammed Layelmam, titled Forecasting COVID-19 in Morocco, examined the pandemic’s progression as of April 2020. Using the TBATS model, which relies on daily historical data, the study aimed to predict future case numbers. While Morocco’s initial response involved strict lockdowns and a robust vaccination campaign, the economic and social impacts were profound. Employment, businesses, and household welfare were all significantly affected, with vulnerable groups such as women, informal workers, and small businesses bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Mohamed Ali Marouani and colleagues reported that while Morocco’s initial pandemic response was effective, maintaining economic and social support systems over time proved challenging. Although the vaccination campaign was a success, the long-term social and economic consequences ‒ such as poverty, unemployment, and food security ‒ were severe.

Another important study, Morocco’s Social Policy Response to COVID-19: A Special Fund and a Structural Reform Proposal [13], provided a detailed analysis of Morocco’s social protection measures during the pandemic. This report highlighted two key aspects: the immediate social protection measures taken during the pandemic and the broader structural reform plan for the next five years. The creation of the Special Fund was crucial for addressing immediate needs but also revealed the vulnerabilities of large segments of the population, particularly informal workers. The government’s five-year plan aims to build a more inclusive and universal social protection system to address these gaps.

Research by Caroline Krafft and Mohamed Ali Marouani further emphasized that the pandemic served as a catalyst for Morocco’s social protection reform [14]. The study underscored the need to move away from fragmented and unequal social policies toward a more equitable system that can withstand economic and social shocks.

The study Morocco COVID-19 Country Case Study, also led by Caroline Krafft [15], analyzed the economic, social, and health impacts of the pandemic based on phone surveys conducted through mid-2021. Morocco’s early response, marked by stringent lockdowns and a strong vaccination campaign, managed to curb the spread of the virus. However, the economic toll on households, businesses, and vulnerable groups, particularly women, remained substantial. Although there were signs of recovery by mid-2021, challenges such as food insecurity, declining incomes, and insufficient government support persisted.

In a broader comparison, a study titled Proposed Reforms of the Social Protection Systems of Morocco and Tunisia in Light of the Impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis [16] examined how Morocco and Tunisia adapted their social protection systems in response to the pandemic. While both countries committed to reforms, Morocco’s response was more accelerated. Tunisia, on the other hand, faced delays due to political challenges. Both nations aim to create more comprehensive and inclusive systems to reduce vulnerability and improve social protection coverage.

In addition to country-specific analyses, mathematical modeling has been used to study Morocco’s pandemic response. The article COVID-19 Cases in Morocco: A Comparative Analysis [17] applied two mathematical models, RMsDTM and R2KM, to predict infection and recovery rates over a 60-day period. These models proved useful in forecasting pandemic trends and informing health policy decisions, underscoring the importance of regularly updating model parameters to reflect changing real-world conditions.

The broader MENA region also faced significant challenges during the pandemic, as explored in Mahmood Messkoub’s article, COVID-19, Public Health, and Social Policy in MENA [18]. The study stressed the need for healthcare reform and equitable social policies to address the pandemic’s long-term impacts, particularly in reducing economic disparities.

Countries outside the region, like Azerbaijan and Nigeria, have also struggled with the pandemic’s social and economic consequences. Farid Guliyev’s [19] article on Azerbaijan’s response highlighted that while significant spending and aid programs were introduced, they did not fully alleviate the financial pressures on those outside formal employment sectors. Similarly, a study by Julius O. Owoyemi and Edime Yunusa [20] on Nigeria’s job losses revealed that approximately 42% of employees across various sectors lost their jobs due to the lockdowns and movement restrictions.

In India, Sohini Sengupta and Manish K. Jha’s article [21] on the plight of migrant workers during the pandemic called for a reevaluation of social protection policies. The study argued that current policies failed to anticipate the scale of the crisis and emphasized the need for stronger safety nets and better support for informal workers.

On a global scale, the report Social Protection and Inclusion Policy Responses to the COVID-19 Crisis, produced by the European Social Policy Network [22], analyzed how 35 countries addressed the pandemic through social protection measures. The report stressed that while temporary measures provided critical support, structural reforms are essential to ensuring sustainable social protection systems in the future.

Finally, Morocco’s response to the pandemic involved both immediate financial relief and plans for long-term social protection reform. However, the successful implementation of these reforms will depend on overcoming financial and logistical challenges, particularly as the country seeks to recover from the economic fallout of COVID-19. Globally, the pandemic has exposed the need for more robust and inclusive social protection systems capable of withstanding future crises. 

Methodology  

The methodology employed in this paper focuses on a comprehensive review of relevant and related literature, guided by a theoretical orientation of the findings. This approach involves the analysis of reports, publications, journal articles, and internet-based documented sources that are pertinent to the aims and objectives of this study. Accordingly, the review of relevant literature is organized and analyzed under specific categories related to the objectives of the paper.

In line with the aims of the study, secondary data collection methods were utilized. Recent journal articles and internet-based resources, particularly those focused on the pandemic, were thoroughly reviewed and content analyzed to ensure alignment with the paper’s goals. 

Research Question 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morocco has played important role to protect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals with chronic diseases [23]. The government implemented various key measures to alleviate the burden on these populations, including the enhancement of social protection systems and the creation of emergency cells to monitor and support these groups. In parallel with these targeted efforts, the Moroccan government also focused on establishing a unified social registry [24]. This initiative aimed to streamline and improve the efficiency of social protection measures by creating a comprehensive database [25].

This registry ensures that assistance is allocated to those most in need, promoting equitable distribution of resources and enhancing the effectiveness of social policies. Financial support formed another crucial component of Morocco’s response to the pandemic’s economic challenges. Laws like Decree 25-20 enabled businesses registered with the National Social Security Fund [26], along with workers affected by the crisis, to receive financial assistance. This initiative aimed to preserve jobs, offer relief to employers, and sustain economic activity despite the severe disruptions caused by the pandemic.

This paper highlights how Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, navigated the intricate challenges of balancing health, economic, and social policies during and after the pandemic. It also addresses the contradictions that emerged, particularly in tackling inequality, providing economic support, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of social reforms. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to mitigating the impact of the pandemic while laying the groundwork for future reforms. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Health Emergency and Its Far-Reaching Social and Economic Consequences 

The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan in late 2019, rapidly evolved into a global health crisis by early 2020. Likely stemming from zoonotic origins linked to wildlife, the virus spread swiftly across international borders, with cases soon being reported in nearly every country [27]. In response, governments worldwide implemented stringent measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing to curb the spread [28]. While these actions were necessary to protect public health, they also triggered significant social and economic repercussions, disrupting daily life and profoundly affecting national and global economies.

One of the most immediate impacts was the widespread economic disruption. Global supply chains were severely affected, businesses shuttered, and unemployment rates surged as economies plunged into recession [29]. Vulnerable groups, including low-income workers and small businesses, were hit particularly hard. Furthermore, the pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing socio-economic inequalities, as marginalized communities and industries less equipped with technology struggled to cope. For example, in some countries, a dramatic drop in demand for goods and services worsened unemployment and deepened financial distress. From the wealthiest nations to the most impoverished, no corner of society was untouched by the pandemic’s devastating effects [30].

In certain regions, the crisis was further aggravated by delayed governmental responses. In some countries, resistance to initial measures like quarantine and travel bans allowed the situation to worsen [31]. Political and cultural factors played a significant role in shaping how different nations managed the public health emergency. Conversely, even countries that implemented swift public health measures encountered difficulties due to factors such as limited testing capacity, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and inconsistent record-keeping [32].

Beyond the immediate health crisis, the social consequences of prolonged lockdowns and isolation soon became evident. A particularly concerning development was the sharp rise in domestic violence cases [33]. In various regions, reports indicated up to a 70% increase in incidents of domestic violence, as many individuals were trapped with their abusers. Limited access to support services such as shelters and helplines further compounded the problem, leaving victims isolated and without assistance [34].

In addition to domestic violence, the pandemic contributed to a surge in mental health challenges worldwide. The uncertainty, economic hardship, and enforced isolation led to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and, tragically, higher suicide rates. In some areas, rising suicide rates were linked directly to pandemic-related stresses such as fear of infection, job losses, and financial insecurity, underscoring the need for better mental health support during global emergencies [35].

The economic fallout was particularly severe in countries reliant on non-technological sectors, where businesses were unable to operate during the pandemic, leading to mass layoffs and job losses. In these nations, government interventions aimed at alleviating the pandemic’s impact, such as financial assistance and public health guidelines, often proved insufficient, leaving large segments of the population without adequate support. Similar trends emerged in other regions, where underfunded healthcare systems and political instability exacerbated the crisis [36].

As the world moves toward a post-pandemic phase, recovery efforts are gradually taking shape. Economies are slowly rebuilding, and industries are adapting to new realities shaped by the rise of remote work and digital transformation. However, the pandemic has left a lasting imprint on global socio-economic systems, and recovery must address the inequalities it has highlighted [37]. Vulnerable populations, particularly in developing regions, continue to face significant challenges, including job insecurity and limited access to healthcare. It is crucial that recovery efforts focus not only on reviving industries but also on reducing socio-economic disparities to ensure a more equitable distribution of the benefits of recovery [38]. 

COVID-19 in Morocco : Diagnosis and Impact on Society 

Morocco reported its first cases of COVID-19 on March 2, 2020, when two Moroccan citizens returning from Italy tested positive. By March 10, one of the initial patients, an 89-year-old woman, had succumbed to the virus, marking the beginning of the pandemic’s impact on the [39]. In response to the rising number of cases, the Moroccan government quickly implemented stringent measures, including the closure of educational institutions, suspension of international flights, and the declaration of a medical emergency on March 19, 2020. These early interventions were crucial in controlling the initial spread of the virus [40].

Although the situation appeared under control in the initial months, Morocco experienced a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in August 2020. By November, infection rates had peaked, prompting the government to reinstate night curfews and other restrictions [41]. A gradual decline in cases led to a more stable situation by June 2021. However, the relaxation of restrictions, particularly on international travel, along with the emergence of the Delta variant, led to another surge in July 2021 [42].

The economic consequences of the pandemic in Morocco were severe. Lockdowns disrupted various sectors, resulting in significant income losses, particularly among the poorest households. Informal workers and farmers were among the most affected, experiencing a sharp decline in earnings [43]. In response, the government established a special fund to manage the pandemic, providing support to businesses and households while improving medical facilities [44]. However, as the crisis persisted, fewer families were able to access this assistance. By June 2021, only 13% of households were still receiving aid [45].

Food insecurity also worsened during the pandemic. By mid-2021, 71% of households reported facing food insecurity due to reduced incomes, while 60% were affected by rising food prices [46]. Women bore the brunt of the social and economic burdens, taking on increased caregiving responsibilities during lockdowns and school closures, further exacerbating existing gender inequalities [47].

Morocco’s health system struggled to handle the surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in urban areas such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez, which accounted for 70% of the total cases [48]. Despite increasing diagnostic capacity and daily testing from 300 in March 2020 to over 20,000 by July 2020, many regions faced shortages of hospital beds and intensive care units [49]. To alleviate pressure on hospitals, the government set up field hospitals and promoted home-based care for mild cases [50].

Initially, Morocco relied heavily on PCR tests to confirm cases. However, this approach revealed certain shortcomings, such as the lack of quantitative PCR testing, which led to approximately 20% of negative results being inaccurate [51]. Nonetheless, Morocco maintained one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates globally [52].

To address the rising case numbers and the economic fallout, Morocco launched an ambitious vaccination campaign. By the end of August 2021, over 50% of the population had received at least one vaccine dose, and more than 40% were fully vaccinated, making Morocco the African country with the highest vaccination rate at the time [53]. This effort was instrumental in mitigating the impact of the virus.

Despite these successes, the government faced criticism for its communication strategies. Many, especially younger citizens, expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of transparency in government messaging. By mid-2021, public trust had diminished, with over 66% of the population believing that the authorities had not been fully transparent about the pandemic’s status [54].

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on Morocco, influencing its public health system, economy, and social fabric. While the government’s swift initial response helped control the early spread of the virus, subsequent surges exposed vulnerabilities within the healthcare system and highlighted shortcomings in communication efforts. The vaccination campaign played a pivotal role in managing the crisis by mid-2021, but the pandemic left lasting economic damage, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. This experience underscored the importance of transparent and effective communication in managing public health crises. 

Morocco’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic : Leadership and Strategic Action 

Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco displayed a proactive and well-coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on immediate public health measures and long-term social and economic recovery [55]. The King played a central role in the development of comprehensive policies that addressed the pandemic’s complex challenges. His vision not only strengthened the country’s medical and economic systems but also prioritized universal social protection, expanding healthcare coverage for all Moroccans [56].

From the earliest stages of the pandemic, King Mohammed VI recognized the gravity of the situation and acted swiftly to mitigate its potential health and economic impacts. On March 13, 2020, shortly after the country’s first confirmed case, the King established the Special Fund for the Management and Response to COVID-19, with an initial contribution of MAD 10 billion. This fund, which grew to MAD 33 billion by June 2020 through voluntary contributions, supported healthcare systems, businesses, and households affected by the crisis [57].

The immediate objectives of the fund were to enhance Morocco’s medical facilities, supply essential healthcare equipment, and provide financial support to businesses and families affected by lockdowns. In line with royal directives, the government also established the Comité de Veille Économique (CVE) to manage the pandemic’s economic repercussions, ensuring resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges [58].

Under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, strict and early health measures were crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. By mid-March 2020, Morocco had declared a state of health emergency, which included suspending international flights, closing schools, and mandating masks in public. As infection rates rose in November 2020, restrictions such as curfews and partial lockdowns were reintroduced in high-incidence areas [59].

A key aspect of Morocco’s pandemic response was the expansion of social protection. In his October 2020 parliamentary speech, the King unveiled a universal social protection plan to cover the entire population, extending social security, unemployment benefits, and health insurance [60]. The pandemic highlighted the need for more inclusive coverage, particularly for vulnerable groups, and this initiative laid the groundwork for long-term reforms to address gaps in the country’s social protection system [61].

King Mohammed VI also spearheaded efforts to ensure a robust economic recovery. In August 2020, the National Pact for Economic Recovery and Employment was signed, setting forth a comprehensive post-COVID economic recovery plan [62]. Central to this plan was the mobilization of MAD 120 billion (11% of GDP) to support businesses and employment through credit guarantees and investment [63]. The newly established Strategic Investment Fund, known as the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, was pivotal in stimulating national investment and funding key infrastructure projects, helping to secure Morocco’s economic resilience.

A major success of Morocco’s pandemic response was the expansion of healthcare infrastructure. The construction of field hospitals, acquisition of medical equipment, and enhancement of intensive care facilities were essential in managing the increase in COVID-19 cases. Additionally, Morocco’s participation in clinical trials with AstraZeneca and Sinopharm secured early access to vaccines, placing it among the leaders in vaccination efforts in North Africa. By August 2021, nearly 50% of Morocco’s population had been vaccinated, demonstrating the foresight and leadership of King Mohammed VI. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of global systems. While scientific breakthroughs, such as the rapid development of vaccines, have offered hope for controlling the virus, the socio-economic and political consequences of the pandemic will reverberate for years to come. This crisis has emphasized the urgent need for better preparedness, more robust public health infrastructures, and comprehensive social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable in future emergencies.

A notable example of this type of leadership and preparedness can be seen in King Mohammed VI’s response to the pandemic in Morocco. His leadership was marked by decisive action, a strong focus on social protection, and the mobilization of national resources to confront the crisis. Through initiatives such as the creation of the Special Fund, the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and the development of a universal social protection system, King Mohammed VI demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding the Moroccan population. Additionally, his efforts to drive economic recovery and enhance healthcare coverage have not only addressed immediate challenges but have also positioned Morocco to face future crises more effectively, reflecting the broader global need for systemic resilience underscored by the pandemic. 

Dialoghi Mediterranei, n. 70, novembre 2024 

[*] Abstract

Nel 2018 e nel 2019, il re Mohammed VI del Marocco ha guidato importanti riforme sociali volte a creare un sistema di protezione sociale più equo ed efficiente. Queste riforme hanno cercato di estendere la copertura a gruppi precedentemente esclusi e sono state guidate da un’analisi diagnostica che ha evidenziato lacune significative nella protezione sociale, in particolare per i bambini, i disoccupati e gli anziani. Inoltre, il sistema era ostacolato da una moltitudine di programmi non coordinati che si sovrapponevano, privi di obiettivi chiari e strategie mirate. La pandemia di Covid-19 ha accelerato l’attuazione di queste riforme, poiché la crisi ha messo in luce l’urgenza di affrontare le debolezze esistenti del sistema. Questo articolo esplora la risposta del Marocco alla pandemia, concentrandosi sul ruolo dello Stato marocchino, sotto la guida del re Mohammed VI, nell’affrontare le sfide sanitarie, economiche e sociali portate dalla crisi. La pandemia ha avuto un profondo effetto sulle politiche nazionali, spingendo il governo ad affrontare questioni urgenti come la disuguaglianza, il sostegno economico e la sostenibilità delle riforme sociali a lungo termine. Al centro dell’approccio del Marocco c’era un programma ambizioso, guidato dal re, volto a mitigare i rischi associati alla pandemia garantendo al tempo stesso un’efficace risposta di politica sociale durante questo periodo critico.

Note