Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Ibn Sina University Hospital for Children in Rabat a ceremony was organized where to present the first incubators for the region Rabat region. This donation was part of their partnership aimed to enhance the Kingdom’s capacity in the field of neonatology.

The incubators were received by Professor Amina Barkat, head of the neonatal medicine department at the Children’s Hospital in Rabat, in the presence of H. Exc. Mr Keeyong Chung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H. Exc Julien-Vincent Brunie, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta and Pr. Raouf Mohsine, Director of the Ibn Sina University Hospital.
These incubators will be deployed in five hospitals and maternity units in the region: Moulay Youssef Hospital in Rabat, Kenitra Hospital, Temara Hospital, Orangers Maternity Hospital, and Souissi Maternity Hospital.

The initial phase of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s program in Morocco focusing on neonatology and maternal-child health was funded by the Republic of Korea. The plan involves deploying a total of 46 incubators by the year’s end across 11 healthcare facilities providing care to premature infants in the Rabat and Fes regions.

This three-year program (2023-2025) intends to continue and expand this effort with additional equipment and includes a training component. It aligns with supporting the healthcare reform plan, particularly concerning the establishment of territorial health groupings (GST).

With 60,000 to 70,000 births annually requiring special assistance, Morocco has a significant need in the field of neonatology. This has long been a priority for the Order globally, with some centers, like the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, Palestine (boasting nearly 100% survival despite a high rate of births needing intensive care), being internationally recognized.