Co-creating Health-Promoting Universities in Morocco: From Evidence and Action to Institutional Change

This poster presents the early stages of a national Health-Promoting University (HPU) initiative in Morocco, launched in 2026 with two pioneer institutions: Cadi Ayyad University (UCA, Marrakech) and the International University of Rabat (UIR). Grounded in the whole-university approach of the Okanagan Charter, the project aims to establish a preliminary baseline to inform the development of a context-sensitive Moroccan HPU framework. Three data streams were triangulated: International evidence: a review of reviews (19 reviews included) identified 12 themes across 4 domains (institutional foundations; university environment and community; learning and development; evidence and long-term development). These themes form the reference framework used for the triangulation. Institutional mapping: a documentary review of UCA and UIR showed that campus life and environments, social connectedness and health support are documented. Governance and participation, health competencies, research and partnerships, staff well-being, and accessibility and tailored support are partially documented. Formal health-promotion policies, health integration in curricula and systematic evaluation were not identified in the public sources reviewed. This is not evidence of absence. National student survey (ongoing, cross-sectional; first responses): the WHO-5 Well-Being Index was used to assess well-being, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) to assess health behaviours. Mean WHO-5 score was 53.7/100 (SD 19.6, median 56), with 42.9% of respondents below the low well-being threshold (<50; 95% CI 31–55). The overall HPLP-II score was 2.62/4. Health responsibility (2.05) and physical activity (2.30) scored lowest; spiritual growth (3.13) and interpersonal relations (3.03) scored highest. Triangulation suggests that demand is strong across most framework themes and that existing institutional initiatives provide a foundation to strengthen. The whole-system approach is identified as a theme to develop, and curriculum and disciplines as a theme to investigate further. Survey data are preliminary and based on a small early sample. Next steps (2026–2028): an HPU criteria grid co-developed with a national dedicated working group, a survey of professors and staff, and field actions in the two universities (assess → act → retest, 2027–2028). The long-term goal is a sustainable, replicable national HPU framework in Morocco.