14 November 2024 – 06:00 – Morocco
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The Africa CDC, the African Union’s center for disease control and prevention, has approved a Moroccan PCR test for the mpox virus. African countries are recommended to use the test, developed by the Moroccan company Moldiag, for the detection of MPox.
The test, called UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0, has been added to the Africa CDC’s list of recommended tests. This happened after the test was evaluated and approved by the health authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is considered the epicenter of the mpox outbreak.
Also read: First case of monkeypox in Morocco
The Africa CDC advises African countries to use the PCR test as part of a joint plan with the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat MPox. The test was developed by a team from the Moroccan research institute MAScIR, which specializes in diagnostic and medical equipment.
The Moroccan innovation is registered with the Ministry of Health and is available for export to African countries and the Moroccan market.
The WHO announced on Monday that an emergency meeting will be held soon to determine whether MPOX remains a global public health emergency. According to the Africa CDC, there are approximately 47,000 suspected cases of MPOX in Africa, with nearly 10,000 deaths. In early September, Morocco reported its first confirmed case of mpox.
Also read: Morocco fears monkeypox outbreak
In October, the American company SIGA Technologies announced that it had signed an agreement with Morocco to supply the kingdom with the mpox treatment Tpoxx. This happened at the request of Morocco to strengthen its preventive measures against a possible outbreak.
The Mpox Situation in Morocco: A Comedy of Errors or Just Science?
14 November 2024 – 06:00 – Morocco
Well, well, well! What’s happening over in Morocco? The Africa CDC has just put a little ‘tick’ next to Morocco’s PCR test for the mpox virus, and I couldn’t be more intrigued! You know, I hear that a PCR test approved by the Africa CDC is like getting a Michelin star—except instead of fine dining, we’re talking diagnostic testing for a virus. Talk about a menu item you wouldn’t want to order twice!
So, it seems our friends at Moldiag in Morocco have whipped up a PCR test called the UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0—a name that, let’s be honest, sounds more like a Star Wars droid than a test for a virus. I can just see it buzzing around: “Do not worry, I am programmed to detect mpox… and also calculate your taxes!”
This little beauty has been added to Africa’s CDC’s recommended tests list after it received the nod from health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo—a country that knows its way around outbreaks. You ever heard of the phrase “location, location, location?” Well, when it comes to virology, they’re at the epicenter of the mpox action, and it seems they know a good test when they see one!
The Africa CDC is now recommending that all African countries hop on the bandwagon and start using this test as part of a collaborative effort with the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the dreadful mpox virus. With around 47,000 suspected cases and nearly 10,000 deaths reported in Africa, we definitely need all hands on deck—or at least a good lab coat secured with some top-quality Velcro!
Speaking of Malaysia and exotic places, did you hear about Morocco’s first confirmed case of mpox? It came in just a few months ago! Honestly, it’s like they’re trying to make a fashion statement: “Oh, have you heard? I’m wearing mpox this season!” It’s not quite the style reveal we were hoping for.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get any funnier (or more serious, depending on your perspective), here comes SIGA Technologies, the American firm that swoops in to sign an agreement to supply Morocco with the mpox treatment, Tpoxx. Clearly, Morocco isn’t just standing by and hoping for the best—it’s actively searching for measures against a possible outbreak. And they picked the right partners, too—after all, it’s better to have them on speed dial than not at all!
Now, with all this hoopla about mpox, the WHO is planning an emergency meeting soon to determine if this virus is still a global public health emergency. Because nothing says “urgent” quite like a big room full of serious people in glasses shuffling papers and wondering if they should order takeout or just go for the pizza.
Remember, while we can laugh about the absurdities of the situation, it’s essential to take the mpox outbreak seriously. With the innovations coming out of Morocco, particularly in diagnostic testing, it makes you wonder: if they can develop a test with such a catchy name, maybe there’s hope for a brighter future. Just as long as nobody forgets to read the instructions this time!
The bottom line? Morocco is stepping up, and all eyes are on them. Perhaps we’ll soon see a world where mpox is contained, the tests are flying off the shelves, and everyone gets to keep their health—and their sense of humor. Because, let’s face it, in a world reeling from diseases, laughter is as important as hand sanitizer!
E), there’s also news that SIGA Technologies, an American company, is stepping in with a treatment called Tpoxx. Apparently, Morocco reached out for some extra support, just in case this mpox thing decides to throw a wild party. But enough of the comedic monologue; let’s hear from an expert on this situation.
