The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-Africa) has recommended the first locally-manufactured real-time PCR test for Mpox in Morocco.
A statement from CDC-Africa described the news as a milestone, saying the new test aligns with the AU’s effort to boost the self-sufficiency of African public health systems to improve the continent’s preparedness and response to disease threats.
The statement recalled CDC-Africa’s support for member states through a plan to procure and deliver PCR and genomic sequencing test kits, noting that it has also trained member states on sample collection and transport in addition to biosafety and biosecurity.
According to the statement, CDC Africa has notably provided essential tips to member states, recommending specific RT-PCR tests for purchase and use.
The test needs to meet specific criteria based on the World Health Organization’s target product profile for Mpox diagnostics. The third edition of the recommended list includes a PCR detection kit (UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0), which is produced by Moldiag in Morocco.
Moldiag’s Director General Nawal Chraibi expressed satisfaction with the lab’s selection and renewed its commitment to supporting health resilience in Africa through the development of locally-manufactured diagnostic tools.
Moldiag believes that boosting local production is essential to enhancing preparedness and response to epidemics on the continent.
“We are proud to align with CDC-Africa’s vision of an autonomous and healthsecure Africa,” she added.
The WHO declared MPOX a global health emergency in August.
Morocco confirmed a case in Marrakech in September, noting that the patient, who had not displayed any of the alarming symptoms associated with the virus, had received appropriate medical care and was in a stable state.
