Africa CDC Approves First Locally Made Mpox Diagnostic Test

BREAKING NEWSNovember 14, 2024 at 3:41 PM UTC

TLDR

Africa CDC approves continent's first locally made mpox diagnostic test by Moroccan company Moldiag
Diagnostic test endorsed by African health experts, paving the way for self-sufficiency in public health systems
Initiative aims to increase mpox testing capacity to address current under-testing of suspected cases

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has approved the continent’s first locally made diagnostic test for mpox to combat rising cases of the disease, which has killed over 1,000 people in Africa this year.

Developed by Moroccan company Moldiag, the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was endorsed by an independent panel of African health experts, marking a step towards self-sufficiency in Africa’s public health systems, according to Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya.

The diagnostic tool aims to improve mpox testing capacity, with less than half of suspected cases currently tested. Africa CDC and WHO are enhancing logistics and training to support testing in remote areas.

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Key Takeaways

The Africa CDC’s endorsement of the locally made mpox test highlights a growing movement towards health self-sufficiency on the continent. Amid rising mpox cases, this diagnostic advancement supports Africa CDC’s push for locally produced health solutions, an approach emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic when Africa faced delays in access to vaccines and diagnostics. The new tool enables faster testing and response in areas with limited lab access, aligning with Africa CDC’s call for increased vaccine and diagnostic production on the continent to address public health needs effectively.

Healthcare

Africa CDC

MPox

Vaccine

MPox Test

Moldiag

Morocco

Pandemic