The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially endorsed Morocco’s locally produced mpox test, marking a major step forward in Africa’s fight against the outbreak of the virus. This approval is seen as a critical milestone in the continent’s efforts to strengthen its public health systems and improve its disease response capabilities.

A Major Milestone for Africa’s Health Systems

The endorsement of Morocco’s real-time PCR mpox test was announced by the Africa CDC on Thursday. This locally manufactured diagnostic tool is hailed as a significant achievement in Africa’s ability to develop homegrown solutions for public health challenges. The test detects mpox virus DNA in blood, saliva, or tissue samples, providing a fast and reliable method for diagnosing the virus.

In its statement, the Africa CDC emphasized that the approval underscores the test’s reliability and efficacy in detecting mpox, which has been a growing concern across the continent.

Improving Diagnostic Capacity Amid Mpox Outbreak

The approval comes just three months after the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency in August 2024. The endorsement is part of the African Union’s broader effort to bolster the continent’s self-sufficiency in combating health emergencies and to reduce reliance on external supplies for disease diagnostics.

“The endorsement of this locally produced test marks a significant step in our efforts to strengthen Africa’s public health infrastructure,” said the Africa CDC in a statement. “This will enable more efficient detection and response to disease outbreaks.”

Mpox Outbreak Continues to Affect Africa

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions. It is primarily transmitted to humans through infected animals, though it can also spread person-to-person through close physical contact.

Since the start of 2024, there have been over 50,000 reported cases of mpox across Africa, with more than 1,100 deaths. Central Africa has been particularly hard-hit, accounting for more than 85% of the cases and nearly all the deaths related to the outbreak.

Local Innovation: A Key to Africa’s Disease Response

The Africa CDC’s endorsement of the Moroccan test highlights the importance of local innovation in tackling infectious diseases on the continent. Developing diagnostic tools locally is part of a broader effort by the African Union to build a more resilient and self-reliant public health system that can quickly respond to emerging health threats.

“By supporting local manufacturing of diagnostic tools, we are not only enhancing our ability to detect and respond to mpox, but we are also taking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in the fight against infectious diseases,” the Africa CDC added.

Global Support: WHO Approves New Mpox Diagnostic

In addition to Morocco’s test, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved the Alinity m MPXV assay for diagnosing mpox. This test, manufactured by Abbott Molecular, is designed to detect the mpox virus from swabs taken from human lesions. The WHO approval of this test provides additional diagnostic options as global efforts to control the outbreak continue.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Africa’s Health Infrastructure

As the mpox outbreak continues to evolve, the endorsement of Morocco’s locally produced test is a positive step in Africa’s public health preparedness. The Africa CDC has urged governments and health authorities across the continent to invest in local production of medical tests and treatments, helping to build a stronger, more sustainable health system capable of addressing future outbreaks.

The endorsement of this test is part of Africa’s ongoing efforts to prioritize public health innovation and pandemic preparedness, ensuring the continent is better equipped to manage health crises in the future.

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