Dakhla: Inauguration of the Headquarters of the African Academy of Health Sciences
Minister of Health Inaugurates African Academy of Health Sciences in Dakhla
On Saturday, Amine Tahraoui, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, inaugurated the headquarters of the African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS) in Dakhla. This facility is the first completed structure within the extensive Mohammed VI International University Hospital Complex (CHUIM6), which aims to become one of Africa’s key centers for medical training and innovation.
The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Azeddine El Midaoui, the Nigerien Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs, Garba Hakimi, the Deputy Director of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS), Professor Youns Bjijou, and El Khattat Yanja, President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council. The academy, built over an area of nearly 1,350 square meters, features a conference center with a capacity of 100 seats, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and a Council room.
Following the inauguration, Minister Tahraoui and the accompanying delegation visited the Mohammed VI Congress Center, which is also part of the complex. Ready to host conferences and meetings for health professionals and experts, this center has a capacity of 600 seats.
In a statement to the MAP, Professor Jaâfar Heikel, mission officer at the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health, emphasized that the new academy serves as “a strategic lever” for strengthening the continent’s health sovereignty, aligning with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
This institution will unite African expertise around major healthcare challenges, focusing on all aspects of health sovereignty, including primary care, prevention, infrastructure, research, and the training of future generations of professionals.
Professor Heikel highlighted that this academy, equipped with modern facilities and associated with the Mohammed VI International Conference Center, will provide a platform for reflection and consultation among the continent’s scientific entities.
The inauguration of this facility is part of the overall progress of the CHUIM6 project in Dakhla, which encompasses medical, educational, residential, and sports infrastructures distributed across several hubs.
Indeed, the construction of these structures is advancing steadily. The Mohammed VI Faculty of Medicine has reached 60% completion, the Mohammed VI Graduate School of Engineering in Health Sciences is at 90%, the Mohammed VI Faculty of Nursing and Health Professions is at 75%, and the Mohammed VI International Health Sciences Simulation Center is at 60%.
As for the construction of the Mohammed VI International University Hospital in Dakhla, it is currently 50% complete. With a capacity of 308 beds, this hospital includes 14 operating rooms and accommodations for families. The complex will also feature student residences with a capacity of 600 beds, a university restaurant, and a sports center.
Envisioned as a project to serve Morocco and Africa, the Mohammed VI International University Hospital Complex in Dakhla embodies the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health’s commitment to building an integrated and sustainable model dedicated to patient care, research, and high-level medical training.
