MPOX TRACKER

Singapore’s Ministry of Health is bolstering Africa CDC’s capacity to manage the ongoing mpox outbreak by donating diagnostic kits and testing supplies for 50,000 tests. This contribution comes at a critical time as Africa grapples with mpox’s spread across 19 African Union member states, with over 12,000 confirmed cases in 2024. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi are among the hardest-hit nations, underscoring the urgent need for expanded testing to detect and trace cases effectively.

One of the primary challenges in Africa’s mpox response has been a shortage of testing supplies, which has limited the ability to expand lab capacity and implement contact tracing measures. Recognizing these gaps, Africa CDC and WHO have launched a joint continental response plan to prioritize scaling up testing through centralized PCR facilities, additional testing sites, near point-of-care testing, and laboratory personnel training. These efforts aim to strengthen the continent’s diagnostic capacity and enhance public health interventions.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC’s Director General, highlighted the importance of this comprehensive response plan, which includes enhanced diagnostics and genome sequencing. He expressed gratitude for Singapore’s support, noting its role in fostering broader international cooperation. Singapore’s Health Minister, Mr. Ong Ye Kung, emphasized the shared global responsibility of building resilient health systems and supporting countries facing epidemic challenges.

This collaboration exemplifies the potential of international partnerships to address critical health crises. By prioritizing enhanced testing and diagnostics, Africa CDC and its partners are paving the way for effective case management and containment of mpox. Singapore’s commitment to global health security not only strengthens Africa’s public health systems but also reinforces the interconnected nature of international health preparedness and response.