MPOX TRACKER

As mpox continues to spread across Africa, Moroccan biotech firm Moldiag is leading a groundbreaking response by producing affordable diagnostic tests for the virus. With more than 59,000 reported cases and 1,164 deaths across 20 countries including the hardest-hit Democratic Republic of Congo, diagnostic shortages have hampered outbreak control. Doctors in Congo’s South Kivu province still rely on physical exams due to the absence of laboratory tests, complicating efforts to contain the virus’s spread.

Recognizing this critical gap, Moldiag began producing mpox tests after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency in August. Approved by Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in November, Moldiag’s tests cost less than $5 per test, significantly cheaper than comparable international tests. Founder Abdeladim Moumem emphasizes that making diagnostics accessible and cost-effective is central to the company’s mission.

Moldiag has already started receiving orders from affected countries such as the DRC, Burundi, and Uganda, with anticipated demand from Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. While WHO has approved only a few mpox tests from international companies, Moldiag’s local production could revolutionize Africa’s response to public health crises by ensuring faster, more reliable testing on the continent.

The company’s approach reflects a broader shift toward self-sufficiency in Africa’s healthcare infrastructure. Moldiag’s success follows its earlier contributions to COVID-19 testing, having supplied millions of tests across Africa. By producing diagnostic tools within the continent, African nations can reduce dependency on global suppliers and respond more swiftly to emerging outbreaks.

Expanding localized test production like Moldiag’s is essential for timely disease management, enabling accurate case tracking, contact tracing, and targeted interventions, key steps toward strengthening Africa’s health security amid ongoing global health challenges.