The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has endorsed a new mpox test developed in Morocco, marking a key advancement in Africa’s efforts against the ongoing outbreak. The real-time PCR test can detect mpox pathogen DNA in blood, saliva, and tissue samples, a breakthrough that Africa CDC describes as a “major milestone” for public health on the continent.
Announcing the approval on X (formerly Twitter), Africa CDC emphasized the test’s reliability and effectiveness, underscoring its alignment with the African Union’s goal to strengthen self-sufficiency in health responses.
The endorsement comes amid a declared public health emergency for mpox, which spreads via animal-to-human transmission and close contact. With over 50,000 reported cases and about 1,100 deaths in Africa this year, this diagnostic tool could be critical in managing the outbreak.
