Morocco’s COVID-19 Drug Policy Sparks Concerns for Autoimmune Patients

Hespress publishes a summary note and an urgent appeal from the president of the association "Sonnaâ al-amal" (Makers of Hope) for autoimmune diseases, Dounia Mouradi. "We are hearing a lot right now about an ongoing therapeutic trial with hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and chloroquine (Nivaquine) that would be effective against covid-19. According to the president, "these treatments are also used daily by thousands of people suffering from lupus and other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis," to name just these diseases.

Lupus is "a rare chronic disease in which the immune system recognizes the body as an enemy and attacks it to destroy it: skin, kidneys, lungs, central nervous system, etc., all organs can be affected." And to this day, Plaquenil, Dounia Mouradi points out, is "an essential treatment for patients, as it helps regulate immune activity and thus limit these attacks."

However, since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic, it has been very difficult for lupus patients to obtain this drug. Priority is given to coronavirus patients. The president of the association "Sonnaâ al-amal" says she hopes the treatment will be available again for people with other diseases who also desperately need it for their survival.