NAIROBI, Kenya- In a significant step for Africa’s healthcare independence, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has endorsed Morocco’s first locally produced Mpox (Monkeypox) test.
This real-time PCR test, designed to quickly detect the Mpox virus from blood, saliva, or tissue samples, is seen as a crucial tool in enhancing Africa’s ability to respond to outbreaks and mitigate disease spread.
Africa CDC shared the news on X, emphasizing the endorsement as a leap forward in achieving health self-reliance.
The new test allows African countries to strengthen their capacity for disease detection and management, aligning with the African Union’s goal to foster public health self-sufficiency across the continent.
“This major milestone aligns with the African Union’s continental initiative to strengthen the self-sufficiency of African public health systems,” Africa CDC stated.
By advancing local diagnostic capabilities, this new test positions African healthcare systems to better address emerging infectious diseases, an essential strategy in a region with ongoing Mpox outbreaks.
In a parallel development, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first diagnostic test for Mpox, known as the Alinity m MPXV assay, on October 3, 2024.
Designed for use by trained laboratory personnel, this real-time PCR test detects the presence of Mpox virus DNA from skin lesion swabs.
According to WHO, the assay will expand diagnostic capabilities in regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks and streamline the identification process.
Quick and accurate testing is especially critical in Africa, where over 30,000 suspected cases have been reported this year, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Nigeria.
“Limited testing capacity and delays in confirming Mpox cases persist in Africa,” said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “Early diagnosis enables timely treatment and care, which are essential for controlling the virus.”
These new diagnostic advancements are expected to help close the testing gap in affected areas, offering faster and more accessible testing for at-risk populations.
Mpox, which can spread through close physical contact, causes fever, muscle aches, and painful boil-like lesions on the skin.
In severe cases, the virus can be deadly. In 2024 alone, Africa has reported approximately 1,100 deaths due to Mpox, with testing and timely diagnosis emerging as key areas needing bolstering to prevent further transmission.
Africa CDC’s endorsement of the Moroccan-made test marks a promising stride in containing Mpox outbreaks locally.
This homegrown diagnostic solution not only reinforces the continent’s public health framework but also lessens dependency on imported health technologies, a crucial factor for long-term resilience.
With these new testing solutions, Africa is not only better equipped to manage Mpox but is also forging a path toward greater self-sufficiency in healthcare.
By investing in local diagnostic capabilities, Africa CDC is fostering a health system that can respond more swiftly to emerging threats, supporting both resilience and sustainability in the face of future outbreaks.
