As part of the humanitarian parallel activities of the joint Moroccan-American exercise African Lion 2026, conducted in accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, a Medical and Surgical Field Hospital (MSFH) has been deployed since April 20 in the territorial commune of Al Fayd, in the province of Taroudant.
The facility mobilizes around 160 medical and paramedical personnel from the Royal Armed Forces, alongside approximately 90 of their American counterparts, reflecting strong bilateral cooperation in the medical and humanitarian fields.
The field hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services across multiple specialties, including general medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, ENT, ophthalmology, pediatrics, respiratory diseases, orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, anesthesiology and intensive care, dentistry, as well as radiology services.
Since its launch, the hospital has witnessed a steady influx of patients of all age groups from surrounding rural communities and villages, all benefiting from free consultations and specialized care. As of May 3, more than 31,000 medical services have been delivered to approximately 12,080 beneficiaries.
Beyond consultations, the facility also performs surgical procedures in line with established medical standards, conducts early disease screening campaigns, provides a fully equipped pharmacy, and operates social service units ensuring comprehensive patient care.
Medical glasses are distributed to patients with visual impairments, and prescriptions are provided free of charge, helping reduce the financial burden on local families.
This humanitarian initiative highlights the high level of cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America in the medical and humanitarian sectors, while also promoting the exchange of expertise between both countries’ medical teams.
In addition, social and cultural activities are organized for children by Moroccan and American military social services, aiming to provide joy, support, and cultural exchange through educational and recreational programs.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by local residents, who expressed gratitude for the free healthcare services and their direct impact on improving access to medical care and alleviating patient suffering.
This humanitarian action illustrates the commitment of the Royal Armed Forces and their American partners to the values of solidarity and mutual assistance, while highlighting the human dimension of the African Lion 2026 exercise, which extends beyond military cooperation to include social and humanitarian initiatives.
On Monday, a high-level delegation from the General Staff of the Southern Zone of the Royal Armed Forces and the United States Army visited the field hospital. The delegation, led by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Major General Daniel Boyack, Commander of the Utah National Guard, received briefings on the objectives of the initiative, the human and logistical resources deployed, and the medical services provided to the local population.
