Physical Health Morocco Project #64064

Supporting 100 Cancer Patients in Casablanca

by Association Dar Zhor

Supporting 100 Cancer Patients in Casablanca

Project Report | Mar 31, 2026
Report supporting 100 cancer patients in Casablanc

By Beatrice Beloubad | Project Leader

Project Report

Supporting 100 Cancer Patients Through Non-Medical Supportive Care

1. Organizational Background

Dar Zhor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults living with cancer through non-medical supportive care services. Its mission is to improve patients’ quality of life during and after cancer treatment by addressing the physical, psychological, and social challenges associated with the disease.

Founded on a patient-centered and holistic approach, Dar Zhor complements medical care by providing structured supportive services delivered by a multidisciplinary team of 40 professionals.

In 2025, the association supported 409 patients through a program combining individual and group sessions designed to reduce symptoms, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen social support.

Dar Zhor’s work is based on three core principles:

Accessibility for vulnerable patients
Evidence-based impact measurement
Holistic care addressing physical, psychological, and social needs

2. Problem Statement

Cancer survival rates are improving in Morocco thanks to advances in medical treatment. However, many patients continue to suffer from significant side effects and long-term consequences of the disease and its treatment.

These include:

Chronic fatigue
Persistent pain
Sleep disorders
Anxiety and depression
Social isolation
Reduced functional autonomy

Despite these challenges, non-medical supportive care remains largely unavailable and is not covered by public health insurance, leaving many patients without access to services that could significantly improve their quality of life.

Supportive care centers remain rare in Morocco, and demand continues to grow.

3. Project Objective

The objective of this project is to provide comprehensive supportive care services to 100 cancer patients in Casablanca over a one-year period.

The program aims to:

Improve patients’ physical well-being
Reduce psychological distress
Strengthen resilience and coping capacities
Reduce social isolation
Support caregivers indirectly through improved patient well-being

4. Project Activities

The project will provide integrated supportive care services delivered by qualified practitioners.

Each patient will benefit from a personalized pathway combining several types of support according to their needs.

Psychological and Emotional Support

Individual psychotherapy sessions
Hypnosis and relaxation therapy
Support groups
Art therapy activities

Adapted Physical Activity

Yoga
Tai Chi / Qi Gong
Gentle physical exercise adapted to cancer patients

Well-Being and Body Image Support

Socio-aesthetic care
Reflexology and relaxation therapies

Nutritional Support

Nutritional counseling
Therapeutic nutrition workshops

These complementary services help patients regain energy, improve emotional stability, and rebuild confidence throughout their treatment journey.

5. Beneficiaries

The project will directly support:

100 adults living with cancer, receiving treatment or in post-treatment recovery.

Indirect beneficiaries include:

Caregivers and family members
The broader patient support ecosystem

Priority will be given to patients facing financial or social vulnerability, ensuring equitable access to supportive care services.

6. Evidence of Impact

An independent impact study conducted between June 2024 and March 2025 evaluated the effectiveness of Dar Zhor’s supportive care model on 164 beneficiaries.

The results demonstrate significant improvements in patients’ quality of life.

Physical Health Improvements

Severe pain decreased from 42% to 6.7%
Severe fatigue decreased from 51% to 5%
Major sleep disorders significantly reduced
Difficulties with daily activities dropped from 40% to 6%

Psychological Health Improvements

Severe anxiety decreased from 56% to 3%
Strong reduction in depression and isolation
Increased sense of control and resilience

Overall Impact

93% of patients reported improved quality of life
97% satisfaction rate among beneficiaries

These results confirm the strong effectiveness of integrated supportive care programs.

7. Expected Outcomes

Through this project, Dar Zhor expects to achieve:

Direct Outcomes

100 cancer patients receiving structured supportive care
Improved physical and emotional well-being
Reduced anxiety, fatigue, and pain
Increased autonomy and resilience

Measurable Results

At least 90% of patients reporting improved quality of life
Reduction in fatigue and anxiety symptoms
Improved social connection and emotional expression

9. Sustainability

Dar Zhor’s supportive care program is sustainable thanks to:

A network of 40 committed practitioners
Long-term partnerships with medical and philanthropic partners
Continuous evaluation and impact measurement
Integration with the broader oncology care ecosystem

Support from GlobalGiving will help expand access to supportive care services and reduce inequalities in patient support in Morocco.

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Dec 2, 2025
Activity report - last 6 months

By Beatrice Beloubad | Project Leader

Period: June – November 2025
Dar Zhor Association

1. Introduction

The past six months have been marked by an intensification of awareness-raising activities, the strengthening of supportive care, the introduction of new workshops, and the admission of a significant number of new beneficiaries (105).
This period was particularly dynamic thanks to October Rose 2025, which generated unprecedented media, social, and medical impact for Dar Zhor.

2. October Rose 2025 Overview

2.1. Campaign Message

The campaign “In Your Hands, Your Life” highlighted an essential gesture: breast self-examination.

2.2. Key Figures

1,300+ people reached through corporate awareness sessions
100 mammograms provided free of charge
30+ TV and radio broadcasts
16 million views on social media
1,300+ screenings of the awareness film in cinemas
750 participants in the solidarity walk
69,000 followers across social networks

2.3. Digital and Cinema Campaign

7.4M views for expert capsules
7.7M views for the official film
1,353 screenings in Pathé cinemas

2.4. Field Actions

21 awareness sessions (companies, high schools, vocational training centers)
19 specialists mobilized
150+ highly vulnerable women reached in Médiouna and Hay Hassani
105 mammograms offered
Specialized workshops: breast reconstruction, metastatic cancer, cancer & work
Official launch of the first psychosocial impact study in oncology in Morocco

3. Reception and Support of New Beneficiaries

3.1. Number of New Participants

105 new beneficiaries registered since September 2025
Progressive integration into supportive care workshops and psychosocial activities

4. New Workshops Introduced Since September 2025

4.1. Support Groups

Led by: Ms. Inès Khamlichi (Onco-psychologist)
Confirmed for implementation starting at the beginning of the academic year

4.2. Dance Therapy

Led by Anne Lise Riscalla
Activity started on October 2, 2025

4.3. Choir Workshops

Led by Bahia Waxas and Myriam Kettani
Began on October 28, 2025

4.5. Art Therapy Workshop for Children

Commitment made → to be implemented during the first week of December
Requirements:

Minimum 5 children per session
Schedule adapted to school constraints

Conclusion

The past six months have been marked by strong mobilization, both in terms of national awareness (October Rose) and the diversification of supportive care within Dar Zhor.
The arrival of 105 new beneficiaries confirms the importance of continuously strengthening workshops and structuring the work of facilitators.
With the implementation of new workshops (support groups, CNV, upcoming men’s and women’s workshops) and the particular focus on children, this dynamic positions Dar Zhor in a decisive phase of strategic and human development.

Links:

Attachments:

Rapport_Octobre_Rose_2025_compressed.pdf (PDF)

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Aug 6, 2025
Semi-Annual Report - August 2025

By Beatrice Beloubad | Project Leader

Semi-Annual Report – August 2025

Project supported via GlobalGiving – Association Dar Zhor

Highlight of the Semester

The most significant achievement of this semester was the completion and official presentation of the first psychosocial impact study on supportive cancer care in Morocco and Africa, led by Association Dar Zhor.
Conducted under the supervision of Professor Wassila Benkirane, the study was presented in June 2025 at the MASCC Global Congress in Seattle, reinforcing the scientific recognition of Dar Zhor’s holistic care model.

Key Findings of the Study

The results from both the quantitative (164 patients) and qualitative (20 interviews) approaches confirm the major impact of supportive care on:

Mental health: reduced anxiety and loneliness, improved self-esteem.
Physical health: pain relief, better sleep, restored energy.
Body image: improved body acceptance, renewed confidence.
Social and family life: rebuilt social ties, peer support, stronger family communication.
Overall satisfaction: 97% of beneficiaries are satisfied, with nearly 79% being very satisfied.

Next Steps: Public and Institutional Promotion of the Study

With the support of the Stratëus Group, Association Dar Zhor is launching an ambitious public relations strategy to transform this study into a lever for institutional recognition and large-scale awareness.

Objectives

Position supportive care as an essential component of the cancer care pathway.
Introduce the issue into public debate and onto the agenda of decision-makers.
Strengthen Dar Zhor’s legitimacy as a pioneering actor.

Strategic Action Plan (July 2025 – June 2026)

1. Create Media Impact

Organize a press conference (October 2025)
Disseminate a media kit (study summary, institutional profile, press release)

2. Produce High-Value Content

Publish an op-ed in a major media outlet
Conduct dual interviews: expert + patient to humanize the data

3. Digital Mobilization

Launch an influencer campaign in health, wellness, and social spheres
Create engaging content across Dar Zhor's social media: carousels, videos, testimonials, infographics

4. Target Decision-Makers

Host a closed-door institutional roundtable with Ministry of Health officials, professionals, researchers, and patients
Draft a policy recommendation report to integrate supportive care into national health strategies

5. Engage the Private Sector

Organize awareness sessions in companies to promote corporate support and solidarity initiatives

Conclusion

This semester marks a turning point for Dar Zhor: the impact study validates the effectiveness of its interventions, and the newly launched communication strategy aims to reshape the perception and institutional standing of supportive care within Morocco’s healthcare system.

Dar Zhor is now positioned as a pioneering actor and catalyst for lasting change, improving the quality of life of people living with cancer.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7348424722679783424-cosU?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAl0EOEBQ16KEYbKFu-jsiXhuVNDX8wZ8Hc&

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