Midwives Supporting Earthquake-Affected Communities in Morocco
In September 2023, Morocco was struck by a devastating earthquake that left a trail of destruction in its wake. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake caused widespread damage, particularly in the rural communities of the Atlas Mountains, and tragically claimed more than 2900 lives, with over 5500 people injured. Among the hardest hit were pregnant women, who not only lost their homes and loved ones but were also forced to navigate health risks in the chaos that followed.
In the face of this disaster, midwives from the Association Marocaine des Sages-Femmes (AMSF), supported by ICM, stepped up to provide critical care and support.
Bringing Care to Remote Communities
With funding from Direct Relief, AMSF operated five medical caravans across regions affected by the earthquake, including Saidate, Tighdouine, Zerkten, Onein, and Timzdagiouine. A sixth caravan, launched in partnership with ICM, made its way to Ouirgane in the Province of Al Haouz, a rural area in dire need of support.
On 13 January 2024, AMSF midwives, in a multi-disciplinary team that also included physicians and nurses, set up a mobile clinic in Ouirgane. In just one day, they provided health services to 169 patients, offering prenatal care, general medical consultations, and screenings for conditions like HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. They also conducted ultrasounds to assess fetal health and ran educational sessions on family planning, nutrition, and breastfeeding.
The team also distributed 140 dignity kits, 10 newborn kits, and winter clothing to families left vulnerable by the disaster. For those in need of more advanced care, the midwives coordinated referrals to higher-level health centres, such as Marrakech University Hospital, ensuring that no one was left without follow-up.
Midwives Making a Difference
Midwives also provided psychological support to women affected by the earthquake, holding individual and group sessions to help those struggling with trauma and loss. Women who had suffered from gender-based violence also received coaching and support, showcasing the diverse and compassionate role midwives play in their communities.
One of the most significant challenges was accessing these remote areas, where health centres had been damaged or were difficult to reach due to the earthquake. But the AMSF midwives, with their deep ties to local networks and communities, persisted, ensuring they could reach the communities who needed them the most.
Preparing for Future Crises
As Morocco rebuilds, AMSF and ICM are already looking ahead, ensuring that midwives are better equipped for future crises. AMSF has requested further training for their members, and ICM has responded by developing the “Ready to Respond: A Midwife’s Guide to Humanitarian Action” programme. This comprehensive training aims to prepare midwives to act swiftly and effectively in emergency situations, covering everything from disaster management to respectful maternity care in humanitarian settings.
In May 2024, ICM hosted a three-day Train the Trainer (ToT) programme in Rabat, where AMSF midwives learned how to assess needs during a crisis, manage newborn care in emergency settings, and advocate for midwives’ inclusion in national emergency response plans. With this training, midwives will be able to protect the health of their communities and advocate for stronger, more inclusive health systems during future disasters.
Moving Forward Together
The partnership between Direct Relief, ICM, and AMSF is a powerful example of how midwives can lead in times of crisis. As the communities affected by the earthquake slowly recover, the dedication of these midwives continues to shine, providing not just midwifery care but hope and stability.
Don’t miss out on the video documenting the caravan’s work in Ouirgane, it captures the resilience and courage of these midwives as they support Morocco’s recovery efforts.