MPOX TRACKER

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have taken a pivotal step toward strengthening Angola’s public health infrastructure by donating molecular biology test kits for Mpox detection to the National Institute for Health Research (INIS). The initiative aims to expand Angola’s diagnostic capacity, enabling quicker detection and response to emerging Mpox cases.

The kits include Cepheid GeneXpert cartridges, which deliver test results within one hour—a significant improvement compared to the traditional four-hour RT-PCR process. Dr. Joana Paula da Paixão, Deputy Director of INIS, highlighted the transformative impact of this support, noting that faster diagnostics are critical for early case detection and timely responses. This contribution complements previous deliveries, with over 150 test kits already supplied through ongoing WHO-USAID collaborations.

The support from WHO, USAID, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reflects a broader global commitment to bolstering Angola’s Mpox response. Technical assistance and continuous equipment provision underscore an enduring partnership that prioritizes health system resilience and epidemic preparedness.

Angola’s enhanced testing capacity will enable health officials to detect, isolate, and treat Mpox cases more effectively, limiting the disease’s spread. This partnership demonstrates the power of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges through sustained investment in technology, training, and logistics.

WHO’s continued support ensures Angola is equipped with critical tools to protect its population, signaling a step toward more comprehensive health security in the region. The Mpox response underscores the importance of global solidarity in safeguarding public health through innovative diagnostics and capacity-building efforts.