Caravan of change
In Morocco, harnessing the power of youth in health promotion
Nestled in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco, Timoulilt, a small village rich in Berber culture, awakens to a typical day. The sun casts a warm glow over the bustling rural market, known locally as the souk. But today, there's a special sense of excitement; a mobile health caravan is due to arrive. The caravan has been travelling across different regions of the country to engage with communities, provide information on health issues, and support the prevention of COVID-19.
Wiame El Montacir, a 21-year-old facilitator trained in interpersonal communication techniques, steps out with a sense of purpose. She's here with her team to lead a conversation about COVID-19 prevention and an array of other health matters – from mental well-being and physical health to breastfeeding.
“This is an excellent opportunity to promote prevention measures against COVID-19 and talk about other health topics. I want to raise awareness among women of the dangers of home birth, encouraging them to seek medical consultations at the hospital or nearby health clinics to ensure their good health and that of their child,” she explains.
Wiame is not alone in this initiative. She is among 391 trained facilitators, backed by a partnership between the Tadamon Association, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF in Morocco with financial support from the Canadian government, via its CanVax funding. This programme is crucial to increase equitable access to vaccines and promote an uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, but it goes beyond that. It's about equipping communities for future health crises and reinforcing gender-sensitive healthcare, including routine immunization and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) initiatives.
At the heart of these interactions are the young volunteers, whose energy and enthusiasm breathe new life into the caravan’s mission. Engaging with local communities not just as facilitators but as active listeners and learners, they bridge generational gaps and foster a spirit of communal learning.
“We have worked on promoting positive behaviours, emphasizing the individual and community benefits of disease prevention through vaccination, including COVID-19, and the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices,” explains Said Salah, Director of the Tadamon Association.
"Youth engagement is a positive agent of change," adds Salah.
Travelling from town to town, souk by souk, their passion, innovative ideas and refreshing perspectives are not just influencing health practices and facilitating the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine but they are also contributing to an evolving health landscape in Morocco. This evolution reflects a harmonious integration of valued traditional practices with contemporary healthcare.
As the caravan weaves through the souk in the neighbouring village of Beni Ayat, Chaimae Salami, a health advocate and a member of the caravan team, prepares to engage with local fathers. Chaima’s interactive session, which kicked off with a video about children's health, sparks enthusiastic discussions about nutrition.
“After showing an awareness-raising video on children's health, I started an in-depth discussion about healthy eating for children. Their reactions seemed very positive,” she says.
One father reflects, "These insights are invaluable. I'm committed to providing a more nutritious diet for my family.”
To date, the caravan has reached more than 42,500 people, including 19,300 women. The initiative also integrate the use of UNICEF's U-Report platform where it engaged over 10,700 youths. This approach has proven successful in mobilizing young people as active agents of change and fostering constructive dialogue within local communities.
With each stop at different souks, the caravan does more than spread health awareness: it ignites a spirit of proactive engagement, particularly among young people.
This story was originally published in French by UNICEF Morocco.
