Morocco’s First Homegrown PCR Test for mpox Gets Africa CDC Nod
November 12, 2024
The Africa CDC’s Diagnostic Advisory Committee has endorsed the first locally produced mpox PCR test kit from Morocco, marking a significant step toward African health autonomy. This milestone aligns with the African Union’s goal of strengthening self-sufficiency in disease response. Morocco’s test, developed by Moldiag, met rigorous standards, proving reliable for mpox diagnosis. Africa CDC Director Dr. Jean Kaseya commended this achievement, underscoring its role in advancing Africa’s public health resilience. As local diagnostics manufacturing grows, the continent moves closer to securing health independence, enabling faster, effective responses to future outbreaks.
The Africa CDC, through its Diagnostic Advisory Committee (DAC), has recommended the first locally produced Real-Time PCR test for mpox, manufactured in Morocco by Moldiag. This pioneering development strengthens Africa’s self-sufficiency in epidemic response, supporting the African Union’s vision of a robust and autonomous public health system. The DAC’s endorsement highlights the test’s reliability, which was validated by the National Institute for Biomedical Research in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing Africa’s capacity to meet global diagnostic standards.
Within the 100-day mission following the mpox outbreak declaration as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint continental plan, delivering vital support to Member States. This support included PCR and genome sequencing kits, training on biosafety, and expert guidance on national testing strategies. As part of Africa’s broader health security framework, the DAC has published several editions of recommended RT-PCR tests, providing essential advisory on quality diagnostics that meet WHO standards.
This local production milestone underscores Africa’s commitment to health resilience. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC’s Director General, emphasized that the Moroccan PCR kit’s successful evaluation demonstrates the potential for high-quality, African-manufactured diagnostics during outbreaks. Moldiag’s CEO, Ms. Nawal Chraibi, highlighted their dedication to fortifying Africa’s health systems through local diagnostics manufacturing.
This development is part of “A New Public Health Order for Africa,” aiming to localize medical countermeasures to safeguard Africa’s health security. Africa CDC’s support for domestic diagnostic production marks an essential step toward empowering the continent to respond effectively to public health challenges. As more African manufacturers join this initiative, Africa’s vision for a self-sufficient, health-secure future draws closer to reality, ensuring the continent can swiftly and effectively manage current and future health threats.