Dakhla (morocco): Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, inaugurated the headquarters of the African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS) in Dakhla, southern Kingdom. This marks the completion of the first structure in the expansive Mohammed VI International University Hospital Complex (CHUIM6), which is poised to become a leading center for medical training and innovation in Africa.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the inauguration took place in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Azeddine El Midaoui; the Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs of the Republic of Niger, Garba Hakimi; the Deputy Director of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS), Prof. Youns Bjijou; and the President of the Council of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region, El Khattat Yanja. The Academy, spanning nearly 1,350 m², includes a conference center with a 100-seat capacity, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and a Council room.
Following the inauguration, the Minister of Health and Social Protection and his delegation visited the Mohammed VI Congress Center, another component of this complex. With a capacity of 600 seats, the center is set to host conferences and meetings for health experts and professionals.
In a statement to MAP, Professor JaSfar Heikel, Head of Mission at the Mohammed VI Foundation for Health Sciences, highlighted that the new Academy serves as "a strategic lever" for enhancing the continent's health sovereignty, aligning with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This establishment aims to consolidate African expertise to address the major challenges facing health systems, focusing on primary care, prevention, infrastructure, research, and training future health professionals.
Professor Heikel further mentioned that the Academy, equipped with modern facilities within the Mohammed VI International Conference Center, will offer a platform for discussion and consultation among the continent's scientific entities.
The inauguration of this facility is part of the broader development of the Dakhla University Hospital Center (CHUIM6), which includes medical, academic, residential, and sports infrastructure spread across various campuses. The construction of these structures is progressing steadily, with the Mohammed VI Faculty of Medicine at 60% completion, the Mohammed VI Higher School of Engineering in Health Sciences at 90%, the Mohammed VI Faculty of Nursing and Health Professions at 75%, and the Mohammed VI International Center for Simulation in Health Sciences at 60%.
Currently, the Mohammed VI International University Hospital in Dakhla is 50% complete. Once finished, it will house 308 beds, 14 operating theaters, and family apartments. Additionally, the complex will feature student residences with 600 beds, a university restaurant, and a sports center.
This visionary project, serving Morocco and Africa, showcases the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health's commitment to building an integrated and sustainable model for patient care, research, and high-level medical training. The inauguration of the African Academy of Health Sciences' headquarters occurs one year after the launch of the works on November 23, 2024. The academy consists of health professionals from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, represented by the former Minister of Health, Professor Leonie Claudine Lougue/Sorgho.