article · Multidisciplinary Science Journal
A retrospective observational analysis investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of measles cases across Morocco during 2023 and 2024 using national health data and geographic information systems. The findings revealed significant spatial variation in transmission intensity, establishing a distinct disease gradient between northern or central areas and southern territories. The highest incidence levels occurred in the regions of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Oriental, Souss-Massa, and Beni Mellal-Khenifra. Moderate transmission rates appeared in Casablanca-Settat, Marrakech-Safi, and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, whereas southern regions such as Draa-Tafilalet and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra recorded lower incidence. These geographic variations suggest the influence of underlying factors, including disparities in vaccination coverage, population movement, and unequal access to healthcare services. The findings point to the need for focused surveillance and reinforced immunisation programmes in identified hotspot regions to support national disease elimination goals.
Measles remains a dangerous and highly contagious viral disease despite effective vaccines. Pinpointing exact geographic hotspots enables public health authorities to deploy targeted vaccination campaigns and resources where they are most urgently required. Understanding regional disparities helps prevent broader national outbreaks and accelerates progress towards international disease elimination targets set by global health organisations.
This applied epidemiological analysis provides an evidence base that can directly inform national public health programmes, regional health authorities, and disease surveillance agencies. The methods could be integrated into operational geospatial dashboards and routine monitoring systems to guide vaccine distribution and resource allocation. While the underlying analytical framework is proven and ready for integration by health policymakers, the abstract does not indicate a commercial product or private-sector pathway.
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Measles remains a significant public health concern in Morocco despite the availability of effective vaccination. Recent outbreaks highlight the need for improved understanding of its spatial distribution and underlying risk factors to better support targeted public health interventions.The retrospective observational study analyses the spatio-temporal distribution of measles cases in Morocco over the period 2023-2024. Data were obtained from the Moroccan Ministry of Health and integrated with administrative geographic boundaries. Spatial analysis was conducted using Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) to map incidence patterns and identify regional variations. Comparative analysis of case distribution across regions was performed to detect heterogeneity in transmission intensity.The analysis revealed marked spatial heterogeneity in measles transmission across Morocco. Higher incidence levels were observed in the regions of Tangier-Tetouan- Al Hoceima, Oriental, Souss-Massa, and Beni Mellal-Khenifra, while moderate transmission was identified in Casablanca-Settat, Marrakech-Safi, and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra. Lower incidence was recorded in southern regions, including Draa-Tafilalet and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra. These spatial patterns suggest the influence of contextual factors such as population mobility, vaccination coverage disparities, and access to healthcare services. The findings highlight a clear north-center versus south gradient in disease distribution.This study demonstrates the added value of spatial analysis for identifying high-risk areas and guiding targeted public health responses. The results emphasize the need to strengthen vaccination coverage and surveillance systems, particularly in high-incidence regions, to prevent future outbreaks. By providing a spatially explicit assessment of measles distribution, this study contributes to improving evidence-based decision-making for measles control and supports national efforts toward elimination in line with WHO targets.
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DOI: 10.31893/multiscience.2027057
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