Africa CDC Endorses First Locally Made Mpox Test from Morocco

• Nov 14, 2024

In a move to strengthen Africa's health independence and improve outbreak response, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has endorsed the continent's first locally developed Mpox test, created in Morocco. This diagnostic tool, a real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, can quickly identify the presence of Mpox virus DNA in samples such as blood, saliva, or tissue.

The Africa CDC announced this milestone on X, noting that the test, developed by Morocco, enhances Africa’s ability to address and manage infectious disease outbreaks like Mpox. The organization highlighted that this development supports the African Union's broader goal of building a self-sufficient public health system across the continent, allowing for more effective preparedness and response to health crises.

This endorsement comes just three months after the Africa CDC classified Mpox as a public health emergency, signaling the urgency of accessible and rapid diagnostics across the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recently approved the use of a PCR test for Mpox, known as the Alinity m MPXV assay, which is expected to increase diagnostic capacity significantly in countries with active Mpox outbreaks.

WHO Assistant Director-General Yukiko Nakatani emphasized the importance of early diagnosis for effective Mpox management, as timely identification allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent further spread of the virus. Nakatani noted that limited testing capacity has hindered the detection of Mpox cases in Africa, where over 30,000 suspected cases were reported in 2024 alone. Some of the highest case numbers have emerged from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Nigeria. However, only 37% of suspected cases in the DRC have been tested this year, illustrating the need for enhanced testing resources.

The Alinity m MPXV assay, a PCR test approved by WHO, detects Mpox virus DNA from skin lesion swabs and is intended for use by trained clinical laboratory personnel. By identifying viral DNA from pustular or vesicular skin samples, health workers can confirm suspected cases quickly and accurately.

Mpox, a virus transmitted from infected animals to humans and also through close physical contact between humans, has resulted in around 1,100 deaths in Africa and more than 30,000 suspected cases. Symptoms of the virus include fever, muscle pain, and large skin lesions, which can be severe and even fatal. The introduction of locally made diagnostic tools is expected to support the continent’s health systems in controlling the spread of Mpox more effectively and potentially saving many lives.