Mapping HIV epidemiology in Morocco: Insights from geographic information systems (GIS) for public health interventions

Abstract

HIV continues to pose significant public health challenges globally and in Morocco, where approximately 22,000 individuals were living with the virus in 2021. The heterogeneous geographic distribution of HIV complicates prevention and control efforts, highlighting the need for spatially informed public health strategies. Geographic information systems (GISs) offer a novel approach to mapping and analyzing disease patterns, enabling targeted interventions. Despite its potential, the GIS has been underutilized in Morocco’s HIV epidemiology. Despite its growing relevance in public health research, the application of GIS remains underutilized in Morocco’s HIV epidemiology. This study analyzed 353 confirmed HIV cases registered from 2020--2024 at the Mohammed V Military Hospital in Rabat. The geocoded addresses were processed via QGIS 3.38.3 to produce density maps, identifying high-burden regions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine age, sex, and urban‒rural distribution and to assess spatial disparities across regions. Three regions—Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (36.9%), Fes-Meknes (18.9%), and Casablanca-Settat (11.6%)—were identified as HIV hotspots. Urban areas accounted for 58.1% of the cases, reflecting a higher concentration of infections in densely populated settings, whereas males constituted 67.5% of the study population. The average age was 45.7 ± 12.7 years. Spatial mapping revealed significant geographic disparities, with high-density clusters concentrated in urban regions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a GIS in visualizing HIV distribution and identifying priority intervention areas. Integrating GIS-based spatial analysis into routine epidemiological surveillance can enhance evidence-based decision-making and support the development of region-specific public health strategies. Region-specific public health strategies and improved.