Laayoune is expanding its role in Morocco’s medical research landscape through two new partnerships with American institutions, targeting specialist training, reproductive medicine and neonatal healthcare.
The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laayoune (FMPL), part of Ibn Zohr University, signed two memorandums of understanding on October 29 with Celenova Fertility and the Fetal Research Fund. The agreements were concluded during the second edition of the Moroccan-American Medical Days, held in Laayoune.
One partnership focuses on reproductive medicine and the development of clinical expertise. Through its agreement with Celenova Fertility, the faculty plans to strengthen training for medical students, residents and practitioners, while encouraging joint scientific projects and the exchange of treatment protocols.
The cooperation also places particular emphasis on fertility preservation for cancer patients. Susan Nassab, Celenova Fertility’s medical director, highlighted the importance of improving access to reproductive medicine techniques and strengthening physicians’ ability to support patients whose fertility may be affected by cancer treatment.
The second agreement, signed with the Fetal Research Fund, is centred on scientific research in fetal and neonatal health. Professor Boris Petrikovsky, an American specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, said the partnership could lead to joint research projects between Moroccan and American teams. Their findings may also be submitted for publication in the Journal of Neonatal Care.
For the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laayoune, these agreements represent an opportunity to bring specialised international expertise into its academic and research activities. Dean Professor Fatima Zahra Alaoui said the partnerships would support the development of expertise in fetal and neonatal health, while contributing to broader medical research efforts in Morocco.
The agreements come as Laayoune seeks to strengthen its position as a platform for scientific exchange in the southern provinces. The Moroccan-American Medical Days brought together healthcare professionals, academics and researchers to discuss medical advances, professional training and improvements in patient care.
By focusing on areas such as reproductive health, fertility preservation and neonatal medicine, the partnerships establish new channels for cooperation between Moroccan and American specialists, with an emphasis on training, research and clinical practice.
