Morocco and United States Launch STRIDES Project to Improve Infectious Disease Surveillance

Morocco and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in Rabat on Thursday, November 12, 2026, to launch the STRIDES project. This new initiative aims to strengthen national capacities for preventing, monitoring, and detecting infectious diseases and responding to potential outbreaks. The agreement was signed by the Moroccan Minister of Health and Social Protection, Professor Younes Bajjijou, and the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan III. According to SNRT News, the full name of the project is Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems.

Technical Framework and Funding

The STRIDES project is supported by 4 million dollars in funding allocated by the United States. This follows previous joint health security activities involving the CDC and DTRA, which received more than 10 million dollars in allocated funds. The United States will support the project through the organization FHI 360, while the Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection, via the Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Control, will manage the technical implementation.

The project is built upon four technical pillars: the development of a laboratory network, integrated surveillance—which includes monitoring wastewater and zoonotic diseases—the digitalization of health information systems, and the strengthening of rapid response teams. Additionally, the cooperation will address antimicrobial resistance and health surveillance at various points of entry. The agreement establishes a one-year cooperation framework that can be renewed through mutual written decision.

Strategic Context and Health Reform

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reform the Moroccan national health system, following directives from King Mohammed VI. The project seeks to expand universal health coverage and was informed by lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the necessity of preparedness and collective response. The project follows a "One Health" approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health to create a more comprehensive surveillance system.

During the signing, Professor Younes Bajjijou stated that the project aligns with royal directives for health system reform and the expansion of universal health coverage. Ambassador Duke Buchan III noted that diseases do not recognize borders, making this partnership crucial for rapid detection and sustainable surveillance.

Glossary

• FHI 360 — FHI 360 is an organization that provides support for the STRIDES project. It is utilized by the United States to support the initiative.
• One Health — One Health is an integrated and holistic approach to address health threats at the animal-human-environmental interface. It links human, animal, and environmental health to create a more comprehensive surveillance system.