EURASIA REVIEW
By: Said Temsamani
Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Salma, Chairwoman of the “Lalla Salma Association to Fight against Cancer” known by its French acronym ALSC, accompanied by Princess Lalla Khadija, inaugurated the “House of Life for Children” in Casablanca.
“The House of Life for Children” was built and equipped by the ALSC in partnership with the National Initiative for Human Development (NIHD). Its construction was part of a partnership agreement developed between the ALSC, the regional council of Greater Casablanca, the city council, the NHRI, the Ministry of Health and Hospital Ibn Rushd.
Morocco
It was created to encourage children with cancer from all regions of Morocco, who come for treatment. It will provide young patients and their families housing, psychological and moral support necessary for a successful treatment in a friendly environment where they can also enjoy social activities.
Covering an area of 2034 square meters, this house consists of 20 rooms with double beds and two studios, a dining room, a classroom, a living room, a play area for children, a computer room, a meeting room, a treatment room, a kitchen, a laundry room and a garden.
The number of cancer patients who will be accommodated each year is about 1,000 children and construction cost is 13 million dirhams, including 11 for the construction and 2 million dirhams for equipment.
Cancer treatment is often long and difficult for both patients and their families. The problem of accommodation is one of the causes of the abandonment of treatment.
Under the National Plan for Prevention and controlled cancer, the creation of spaces for temporary accommodation, called Maison de Vie, near each cancer center, has become a necessity to encourage patients to follow treatment and improve the care and support families.
The houses offer living assistance and psychosocial support to patients and their families and can also facilitate the procedures for consultation and decision appointments with specialist physicians.
Residents living in these houses are surrounded by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, psychologists and social workers who ensure their well being during their stay. A group of volunteers runs the various social and cultural activities, organizing outings, dinners, musical evenings, as well as education sessions on dietary and hygiene.
They are designed to accommodate patients and their families during their outpatient treatment, to ensure regular monitoring of patients, accompany patients by providing them with the necessary moral and psychological support, and their social and cultural activities.
To date, the ALSC has built five houses. Four are already operational (Agadir, Casablanca and Fez) and the fifth this year will open its doors in Marrakech. Two other similar houses are under construction in Meknes and Tangier.
Said Temsamani is a Moroccan political observer and consultant, who follows events in his country and across North Africa. He is a Senior Fellow, Merdian International Center Washington DC, Founder and CEO “Public Initiatives” Consulting firm and Former Senior Political Advisor, US Embassy Rabat, Morocco.
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