Moroccan Company Develops Mpox Tests Amid African Outbreak

An employee works in Moldiag, a biotechnology startup, while producing mpox tests, in Tamesna, Morocco, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

In a significant development for Africa, a Moroccan company, Moldiag, has started fulfilling orders for mpox tests as the outbreak continues on the continent. The initiative comes after African countries faced challenges in obtaining testing kits during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a commitment to reduce reliance on imported medical supplies.

Moldiag began developing mpox tests following the World Health Organization's declaration of the virus as a global emergency in August. Africa's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported over 59,000 mpox cases and 1,164 deaths across 20 countries this year.

The WHO has announced a plan to provide mpox tests, vaccines, and treatments to vulnerable populations in the world's poorest countries. However, challenges persist in some regions, such as the lack of testing facilities in many provinces of Congo, hindering accurate tracking of the virus's spread.

Mpox primarily spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and often presents visible skin lesions. Testing is crucial as symptoms can resemble other diseases like chickenpox or measles. Moldiag's tests, priced at $5 each, have been well-received and are being supplied to countries like Burundi, Uganda, Congo, Senegal, and Nigeria.

Africa faced challenges in obtaining testing kits during the pandemic.

Moroccan company Moldiag produces mpox tests for African countries.

Moldiag developed mpox tests after WHO declared a global emergency.

Africa's CDC reported over 59,000 mpox cases and 1,164 deaths.

WHO plans to provide mpox tests, vaccines, and treatments to vulnerable populations.

Challenges persist in some regions like Congo due to lack of testing facilities.

Moldiag's $5 tests are well-received in countries like Burundi, Uganda, and Nigeria.

African Union aims for local production of medical supplies to address disparities.

The company's efforts align with the push for Africa-based manufacturing of medical supplies, a goal set by African Union member states in response to the global disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The move towards local production aims to address unequal access to essential medical resources on the continent.

Experts emphasize the importance of tailored production in regions experiencing outbreaks, advocating for African tests to meet the specific needs of the continent. The development of rapid tests that do not require lab processing is also underway to enhance testing accessibility in remote areas.

Overall, the initiative by Moldiag represents a significant step towards enhancing Africa's self-sufficiency in medical supplies and addressing public health emergencies more effectively.