Decentralizing testing for rapid mpox detection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
October 4, 2024
The Democratic Republic of Congo is ramping up its mpox response by decentralizing laboratory services. With WHO support, eight new labs were established in August 2024 across five provinces. This expansion aims to improve case detection, monitor transmission, and inform strategic decisions. WHO, backed by USAID funding, has provided essential diagnostic equipment and supplies. The efforts have already increased testing capacity, with analyzed samples rising from 9,700 to over 11,400 in just nine days. As the country grapples with two distinct mpox outbreaks, accounting for 90% of African cases, this enhanced testing infrastructure is crucial for containing the disease's spread.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking significant strides in its fight against mpox by decentralizing laboratory services and accelerating detection efforts. In August 2024, eight additional laboratories were established across five provinces, targeting key localities including Mbandaka, Goma, and Kinshasa. This expansion, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, aims to ensure prompt and adequate detection of mpox cases.
The importance of strengthened diagnostics cannot be overstated. As Dr. Olga Ntumba, WHO's laboratory focal point in DRC, explains, it enables better monitoring of transmission, geographical spread, and disease evolution. Delayed diagnosis has far-reaching effects on outbreak response measures, impacting case confirmation, clinical care, contact tracing, and strategic decision-making at the national level.
With crucial funding from USAID, WHO has provided substantial diagnostic resources, including 3,500 GeneXpert cartridges, 14,000 dry swabs, and viral transport media. These supplies are bolstering the capacity of the decentralized laboratories, with plans for an additional 12,000 GeneXpert cartridges in the pipeline.
The impact of these efforts is already evident. Between September 8 and 17, 2024, the number of analyzed samples increased from approximately 9,700 to over 11,400. This enhanced testing capability is facilitating rapid case confirmation, improved outbreak trend monitoring, and more effective resource allocation to high-burden areas.
The DRC is currently grappling with two distinct mpox outbreaks: clade Ia in Equateur and other endemic provinces, and clade Ib in North and South Kivu, with some cases in Kinshasa. As of September 26, 2024, the country accounts for 90% of all mpox cases in the African region, with over 30,000 suspected cases and 988 deaths reported.
WHO continues to support the DRC's national preparedness and response plan, focusing on surveillance, diagnostics, contact tracing, essential drug provision, infection control, vaccine rollout, and community engagement. This comprehensive approach, coupled with the expanded laboratory network, offers hope for containing the mpox outbreak in the near future.