Following pregnancies
In four regions, including Béni Mellal-Khénifra (29.9%), more than one rural woman in four had no antenatal visit. Associations can identify pregnant women and refer them to the health centre.
Maternal and child health and nutrition
The 2018 National Population and Family Health Survey (ENPSF) gives, for each region, figures on pregnancy care, births, vaccination and child nutrition. These are the most recent regional data published by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
Regions compared
Births attended by skilled personnel
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 86.6%
Women with a live birth in the 5 years before the survey. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 10.8.
Average number of antenatal visits
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 4.2 visits
Women with a live birth in the 5 years before the survey. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 10.3.
Children breastfed within one hour of birth
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 42.6%
Children born in the 5 years before the survey. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 13.1 (column a).
Children under 5 who received at least one dose of vitamin A
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 82.0%
Children under 5. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 13.8.
Children aged 12 to 23 months fully vaccinated
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 90.6%
Children aged 12 to 23 months, from the vaccination card or the mother's statement. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 15.1.
Stunting in children under 5
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 15.1%
Children under 5. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 13.10 (also in the National Multisectoral Nutrition Strategy 2024–2030, figure 3).
Overweight in children under 5
From the least to the most favourable situation.
National average: 10.8%
Children under 5. Source: ENPSF 2018, table 13.10 (also in the National Multisectoral Nutrition Strategy 2024–2030, figure 3).
Data table
| Region | Births attended by skilled personnel | Average number of antenatal visits | Children breastfed within one hour of birth | Children under 5 who received at least one dose of vitamin A | Children aged 12 to 23 months fully vaccinated | Stunting in children under 5 | Overweight in children under 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima | 84.8% | 3.7 visits | 42.3% | 83.1% | 94.6% | 12.7% | 12.3% |
| Oriental | 86.2% | 4.7 visits | 27.4% | 76.8% | 88.7% | 15.5% | 13.0% |
| Fès-Meknès | 84.8% | 4.5 visits | 39.7% | 85.7% | 95.2% | 11.5% | 8.7% |
| Rabat-Salé-Kénitra | 91.1% | 4.6 visits | 34.8% | 81.5% | 90.0% | 10.4% | 10.8% |
| Béni Mellal-Khénifra | 76.6% | 3.5 visits | 39.8% | 73.1% | 85.0% | 29.1% | 17.4% |
| Casablanca-Settat | 94.3% | 4.5 visits | 43.9% | 83.8% | 91.6% | 10.2% | 11.6% |
| Marrakech-Safi | 85.9% | 4.2 visits | 54.6% | 82.0% | 84.3% | 21.0% | 6.8% |
| Drâa-Tafilalet | 67.4% | 3.5 visits | 77.6% | 78.9% | 89.0% | 22.5% | 9.8% |
| Souss-Massa | 86.8% | 4.0 visits | 25.2% | 84.9% | 96.5% | 10.9% | 8.7% |
| Guelmim-Oued Noun | 93.6% | 4.3 visits | 39.1% | 84.4% | 95.5% (fewer than 50 cases) | 18.9% | 11.5% |
| Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra | 94.7% | 4.1 visits | 48.8% | 81.3% | 94.3% (fewer than 50 cases) | 20.0% | 19.0% |
| Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab | 96.7% | 4.0 visits | 53.7% | 88.2% | 96.9% (fewer than 50 cases) | 13.5% | 6.1% |
| Morocco | 86.6% | 4.2 visits | 42.6% | 82.0% | 90.6% | 15.1% | 10.8% |
Figures published only at national level
13.56
Neonatal mortality, per 1,000 live births (rural 16, urban 11)
18
Infant mortality (before age one), per 1,000 live births (28.8 in 2011)
72.6
Maternal mortality, per 100,000 live births, 2015–2016 (urban 44.6, rural 111.1)
21.9%
of women received skilled postnatal care (urban 27.1%, rural 15.6%)
What this means for associations
After birth
Fewer than one woman in four receives skilled postnatal care. Home visits and accompanying women to the postnatal check-up have a direct effect.
Young children's nutrition
Stunting affects 29.1% of children under 5 in Béni Mellal-Khénifra, compared with 15.1% nationally. Breastfeeding within an hour of birth and growth monitoring are within reach of associations.
Good to know
The figures date from 2018. They are published by region only: there are no data by province or commune. Some southern regions rely on small samples. A study on maternal and neonatal mortality is under way in Béni Mellal-Khénifra with the Regional Health Directorate and UNICEF.
Sources
- National Population and Family Health Survey (ENPSF) 2018, main report, tables 10.3, 10.8, 10.12, 13.1, 13.8, 13.10 and 15.1.
- ENPSF 2018, reproductive health component, antenatal visits of rural women.
- National Multisectoral Nutrition Strategy 2024–2030, figure 3.
- UNICEF Morocco, partnership with KOICA for maternal and child health and nutrition in Béni Mellal-Khénifra.
- UNICEF Morocco, kangaroo mother care in Béni Mellal (June 2026).
- Aujourd'hui le Maroc, programme launch at the Wilaya of Béni Mellal-Khénifra (21 January 2026).
- Aujourd'hui le Maroc, study on maternal and neonatal mortality in Béni Mellal-Khénifra.