Supporting 100 Cancer Patients in Casablanca

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.

• Rapport_dactivit_2025_ANGLAIS_1.pdf (PDF)
  
• fiche_pice_Bnat_Dar_Zhor__Copie.docx (DOCX)