Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 12 Nov 2024 – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a groundbreaking recommendation through its Diagnostic Advisory Committee (DAC), endorsing the first locally manufactured Real-Time PCR test for mpox originating from Morocco. This pivotal approval not only highlights the test’s reliability and efficacy but also positions Morocco as a significant contributor to global health initiatives aimed at combating infectious diseases.
This landmark achievement aligns with the African Union’s broader continental strategy to bolster the self-reliance of public health systems across Africa, significantly enhancing the continent’s capability to prepare for and respond to emerging disease threats.
It has now been 93 days since the Africa CDC designated the mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, as well as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). During this 100-day critical mission, a collaborative continental plan was launched by Africa CDC and WHO to facilitate timely and effective responses.
Africa CDC has played an instrumental role in supporting Member States through its comprehensive continental plan. This includes the procurement and delivery of essential PCR and genome sequencing test kits, along with GeneXpert cartridges. In addition, extensive training sessions have been conducted on essential practices such as specimen collection and transportation, biosafety, biosecurity, and molecular testing for mpox. The DAC has provided invaluable guidance and has taken significant steps to recommend specific RT-PCR tests, which have become integral to national testing strategies across various African nations.
Africa CDC, in partnership with AUDA NEPAD, established the DAC as a robust quality mechanism to oversee the selection, evaluation, validation, and adoption of laboratory diagnostic technologies. This committee also plays a crucial role in facilitating important data sharing among Member States. During the current mpox emergency, two editions of a recommended list of RT-PCR tests have been issued by the Africa CDC through the DAC, ensuring that the tests included have been thoroughly vetted through a rigorous, systematic review process. These tests are required to meet stringent criteria based on WHO guidelines for mpox diagnostics, solidifying the reliability of approved methodologies.
The third edition of the recommended RT-PCR tests list was published on 12 November 2024, featuring a locally manufactured PCR detection kit (UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0) produced by Moldiag in Morocco. The DAC evaluated this test against established criteria, including independent data from the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, affirming that it met all essential standards. This significant breakthrough is a testament to the ongoing efforts in the mpox response. Ms. Nawal Chraibi, the Chief Executive Officer of Moldiag, emphasized the importance of local manufacturing, saying, “At Moldiag, we are dedicated to supporting Africa’s health resilience through the development of locally manufactured diagnostic tools. We believe that strengthening local production is key to empowering the continent in its epidemic preparedness and response, allowing us to respond rapidly and effectively to public health challenges. We are proud to align with Africa CDC’s vision of a self-sufficient and health-secure Africa.”
Local manufacturing of diagnostics represents one of the five strategic pillars of the framework for action, “A New Public Health Order for Africa,” initiated by the African Union via the Africa CDC. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, stated that the agency is pursuing a critical continental agenda aimed at promoting local production of medical countermeasures, which is an essential facet of ensuring health security throughout the continent. “The PCR test kit for mpox, locally manufactured in Morocco, has undergone rigorous evaluation resulting in its recommendation by our DAC as a top choice for combatting this outbreak. I commend Morocco for this outstanding milestone and urge other African Union Member States to consider utilizing this innovative testing solution as they respond to the mpox outbreak.”
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About Africa CDC: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) operates as an autonomous public health agency of the African Union, dedicated to supporting member states in fortifying their health systems. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing disease surveillance, emergency response readiness, and disease control efforts. Further information can be accessed at: http://www.africacdc.org and engage with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Media Contacts:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC EdwinM@africacdc.org
About the DAC: The Diagnostic Advisory Committee (DAC) comprises 15 diagnostic experts from leading institutions across Africa, in collaboration with partners including the Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), Global Fund, FIND, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). The DAC was jointly established by Africa CDC and AUDA NEPAD to harmonize and enhance regulatory processes in Africa, and its secretariat is located at the Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems under Africa CDC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Morocco’s Milestone in Local Health Solutions: A Cheeky Take on the Real-Time PCR Test for Mpox
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 12 Nov 2024 – Well, well, well! If it isn’t Morocco stepping into the limelight with its first locally manufactured Real-Time PCR test for mpox, as approved by our good mates at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Yes, you heard that right! A test that not only raises the stakes of global health initiatives but also brings a distinct touch of Moroccan flair to the laboratory scene. I mean, who knew we had such talent brewing under the North African sun?
A Milestone for Africa’s Health
This isn’t just a win for Morocco; it’s a victory lap for the entire continent, aligning with the African Union’s vision to bolster self-sufficiency in public health systems. Take that, dependency! We’re taking charge, folks! And just in time, too—it’s been a mere 93 days since the mpox outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the Africa CDC. I wonder if they had a countdown timer. Maybe a cake too?
Let’s Talk Numbers and Strategies
During this 100-day mission, the Africa CDC and WHO launched an epic continental plan, which sounds a bit like the Avengers assembling, doesn’t it? They’ve been busy supporting Member States with an array of PCR and genome sequencing test kits. It’s like a health care version of “Build-A-Bear,” but instead of cute toys, we get crucial diagnostics!
The Diagnostic Advisory Committee (DAC) has been pivotal in recommending specific RT-PCR tests. That’s right; they’ve waded through heaps of data to give Member States a testing strategy that isn’t just a shot in the dark but a well-aimed dart!
The Real MVP: Moldiag and the PCR Test
Now, some may think a medical kit is just a fancy box of tools, but hold your horses! The PCR detection kit (UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0) manufactured by Moldiag in Morocco is the real deal! After an independent review by the National Institute for Biomedical Research in the DRC, it ticked all the right boxes—think of it as the Marie Kondo of diagnostic tests, bringing a level of order and excitement that we didn’t even know we needed!
Ms. Nawal Chraibi, Moldiag’s CEO, summed it up nicely: “Strengthening local production is key to empowering the continent…” Ah yes, empowering and echoing through the corridors of health security like a motivational speaker at a corporate retreat! This sentiment is music to our ears, and it’s clear that Morocco is subtly saying, “We can do this ourselves, thank you very much!”
A Framework for the Future
The local manufacturing of diagnostics is one of the five strategic pillars outlined by Africa CDC in their “A New Public Health Order for Africa.” And let me tell you, it’s a step in the right direction. As Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, put it beautifully: This is an ambitious yet essential agenda for local manufacturing of medical countermeasures. I mean, does it get more impressive than that?
Rounding Up the Good News
So, hats off to Morocco! With this Real-Time PCR test for mpox, not only are they stepping up their national response to the outbreak, but they are also sending a jolly good message to other African Union Member States. Use this testing solution, get onboard the local production train, and let’s tackle public health challenges together like the great team players we are!
For future media inquiries, you could reach out to Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC. Because let’s face it; if you need to find out more about this revolutionary test, who better to ask?
So there you have it. Morocco isn’t just making wine and serving couscous; they’re proving that Africa has a seat at the global health table. Let’s keep the ball rolling because when it comes to health security, every tick of the clock counts!