Partners in Population and Development (PPD) has launched a strategic study aimed at institutionalizing South-South Cooperation (SSC) within national health strategies across its member countries. The institutionalization of SSC is driven by the need for collaborative, innovative, and sustainable approaches to address shared health challenges on a global scale. It reflects a commitment to solidarity, equity, and the pursuit of common goals for the benefit of populations across diverse regions. In alignment with this vision, PPD has initiated this process as part of the objective of it’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on integrating SSC into national systems to advance health and population-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of the data collection phase, PPD is currently working in the Kingdom of Morocco in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The study aims to assess existing national health strategies and identify opportunities to embed SSC principles for improved implementation and coordination.
Key objectives of the consultancy include:
- Assessing national health strategies to identify SSC integration opportunities;
- Identifying international best practices for integrating population data and SSC;
- Documenting successful models for institutionalizing SSC in health strategies;
- Developing a roadmap for SSC integration, including actionable steps, timelines, and responsible stakeholders;
- Providing technical support to strengthen institutional capacity for SSC implementation.
The initiative targets twelve PPD member countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, India, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, and Kenya.
In Morocco, data collection is currently underway (18–25 May 2025) with the support of H.E. Mr. Amine TEHRAOUI, Minister of Health and Social Protection and PPD Board Member; Dr. Yahyane Abdel Hakim, Director of Population and PPD Partner Country Coordinator; and Dr. Abdellah Taleb, PPD Focal Person at the Ministry.
Mr. Fethi Ben Messaoud, serving as the consultant for this study, and Ms. Tahrima Khan, Senior Program Officer of PPD, are actively participating in the data collection process in Morocco.
PPD is engaging key stakeholders through interviews with national and international organizations, including JICA, the World Bank, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, the Moroccan Association for Family Planning, Ecole Nationale de Santé Publique, Islamic Development Bank, Maternité des Orangers, Institut Pasteur (virtual), and AMCI. A national-level workshop is also being organized to validate and enrich the findings.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards mainstreaming South-South Cooperation into health sector planning and implementation across PPD member countries.
Meeting with JICA Morocco Ms. Komazaki Marico, Representante Residente Adjointe, Ms. Chahir Samira, Program Officer, JICA
Meeting with World Bank, Ms. Ellen Van De Poel, Senior Economist, Middle East and North Africa Region
Meeting with IPPF, Pr. Abdellatif Maamri, Executive Director
Meeting with PCC, Dr. Abdelhakim Yahyane, Director of Population, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Morocco
