Morocco has made substantial improvements in reproductive, maternal and newborn health over the past years, however challenges remain, especially for rural and lower educated women. Higher maternal and newborn mortality, limited access to health services and information, and sexual violence are common issues for this group.
To empower these women to have an informed pregnancy and make informed decisions, while simultaneously improving their health and the health of their newborns, Health[e]Foundation is exploring opportunities to introduce the LUCY maternal health app in Morocco. The LUCY app provides women access to reproductive and maternal health information and promotes [e]communication with health providers in their local language.
LUCY Morocco app
An app for Moroccan women, available in local languages with tailored-made content is not yet existing. LUCY will therefore offer health information, based on international and national guidelines and input by local experts. App features, such as ante/postnatal visit – and vaccination reminders, will enable women to keep track of health checks and vaccinations. An [e]communication functionality supports informed communication with a health professional. LUCY may not only improve access to maternal and neonatal health information, but it will simultaneously reach out to Moroccan women with information about sexual reproductive health and rights (including sexual violence). It promotes women to take their health and rights into their own hands and obtain fact-based information that is not censored or taboo.
Feasibility study
Health[e]Foundation, with a recently awarded RVO Small Business Innovation Research grant, started a feasibility study to explore the potential and business case of the LUCY app for the Moroccan market. In the coming six months we will investigate the specific needs of Moroccan women and their willingness to use the LUCY app. The LUCY app is successfully implemented in Suriname since 2020; this feasibility study will outline what has to be adapted to meet the specific needs of women in Morocco. A sound business case is required to make it a sustainable service paid for by local stakeholders and maintained by local partners. In the next 6 months, we will get a clear understanding how the LUCY app can be commercially deployed with the ultimate aim of empowering (pregnant) women in the reproductive age in Morocco. This will lay the groundwork for the research and development of the LUCY Morocco app in the next phase of the project, ultimately leading to the successful roll-out of the app in Morocco.