Piloting a NGO-led signposting intervention to improve access to government welfare in Southern Morocco: a feasibility study

Abstract

Background

Access to healthcare and social protection is a key determinant of health equity. In Morocco illiteracy, low awareness, and complex administrative processes contribute to poor enrolment in state welfare programmes, particularly in rural–urban migrant communities. In response, Morocco is transitioning to a consolidated social welfare model – Registre Social Unifié (RSU) – to promote more equitable access. We assessed the feasibility of a Non-Governmental-Organisation (NGO)-led signposting intervention to increase awareness of and access to government social welfare programmes in Southern Morocco.

Methods

We used a participatory approach to design and deliver the study in two communes on the outskirts of Agadir, Southern Morocco. We conducted 18 social programme workshops with 1,087 parents, providing information on government welfare programmes. The intervention involved a four-stage process: community sensitisation, individual intake, referral to relevant programmes, and follow-up. We collected anonymised service data and qualitative feedback to evaluate demand, enrolment outcomes, and barriers to access.

Results

Seventy percent (n = 785) of participants requested enrolment support. We successfully connected 67% to their desired programme, with the highest completion rates for RAMed (81%) and Tayssir (66%). Barriers included lack of civil registration, inconsistent documentation requirements, and limited coordination between agencies. Frontline staff also identified the absence of a formal social work framework as a barrier to sustainable implementation.

Conclusions

This feasibility study indicates that an NGO-led signposting model may support improved access to social welfare in vulnerable Moroccan communities. As Morocco implements the RSU, aiming for full coverage by 2030, integrating an NGO-led outreach model and strengthening social work infrastructure could address enrolment barriers. Future research should examine the long-term impact and scalability of community-based interventions to advance health equity in Morocco.