Mental Health Days of Tetouan. Focus on Psychiatric Disorders from Childhood to Old Age

Swiss partners

• UNIGE: Benjamin B. Tournier

 MENA partners

• Sultan Moulay Slimane University:Ibtissam Chakir

Presentation of the project

Mental health disorders are a major public health concern in both Europe and North Africa. In Morocco, around 50% of the population has experienced at least one recurrent minor disorder, a prevalence comparable to other countries (Asouab et al., 2007). However, the management of patients and the social perception of mental illness differ considerably between countries. A study conducted at Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech among 100 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression showed that 90% concealed their condition, mainly due to fear of negative reactions from relatives (Ait Idar et al., 2022). Only half of them reported receiving adequate family support, while 68% mentioned a deterioration in family and social relationships and 12% experienced humiliation after disclosure.

According to the 2023–2024 report by Morocco’s Court of Accounts, there is still a lack of communication and public awareness about psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric care resources remain unevenly distributed, with over 50% of the country’s capacity concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat and Marrakech-Safi regions. The report highlights the need to strengthen professional training, develop community awareness and anti-stigma programs, and expand access to psychiatric services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Moroccan media outlets (Vitavox, Le Matin) reported these findings to inform the general public.

A short behavioral survey will accompany the diary to gather information on shopping, food storage, cooking and eating habits, plastic use, and attitudes toward waste. These data will help contextualize disposal behaviors and inform interventions.

In this context, we plan to organize two afternoon sessions in French at the University of Tetouan (April 16–17, 2026) focused on communication and awareness. The sessions will target students, healthcare providers, and the wider community of the Tetouan region. Through twelve lectures, various aspects of psychiatry will be explored from biological and clinical perspectives. Moroccan and European experts from different professional backgrounds (researchers, academics, physician-scientists, and clinicians) will present their work, followed by roundtable discussions to address audience questions.

A collaborative meeting will also bring together the invited speakers and the teaching team of the University of Tetouan to develop shared research perspectives and strengthen partnerships between Morocco and Europe. This event will take place on the university premises, with public information disseminated through posters, medical centers, and online communication.