Amid ongoing challenges with medical imports, Morocco has emerged as the first African nation to produce its own mpox tests, marking a significant milestone for the continent.
In response to the severe shortages of testing kits experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, African officials had pledged to decrease reliance on imported medical supplies. This commitment has been exemplified by a Moroccan biotechnology startup, which has begun fulfilling orders for mpox tests amid a persistent outbreak. The startup’s efforts began following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of mpox as a global emergency last August.
According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 59,000 mpox cases and more than 1,160 deaths have been reported across 20 countries this year. The WHO, facing criticism for its slow vaccine distribution, has announced plans to supply mpox tests, vaccines, and treatments to vulnerable populations in impoverished regions. However, the logistical challenges remain significant; in areas like the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province, clinicians are often forced to rely on basic symptom observation due to a scarcity of testing facilities.
Dr. Abdeladim Moumen, founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Moldiag, a Moroccan startup, highlighted the impact of Morocco’s domestic production efforts. Moldiag has priced its mpox tests at $5 each, offering an affordable solution to the ongoing shortages. The company recently began receiving orders from several African nations, including Burundi, Uganda, and Congo, and has also shipped tests to Senegal and Nigeria.
Moldiag, supported by Morocco’s Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research, developed similar genetic tests for COVID-19 and tuberculosis before launching its mpox diagnostics. Despite holding approval from the Africa CDC to distribute its kits, Moldiag has not yet pursued expedited approval from the WHO, a process typically lengthy and potentially delaying access to critical diagnostics. This challenge underscores a broader issue where international approval processes may not adequately adapt to urgent needs in African contexts.
The African Union has prioritized local production of medical supplies to address disparities highlighted by the pandemic, which exposed unequal access to vaccines, testing kits, and medical treatments. Experts argue for regionally produced diagnostics to better tailor health responses to local outbreaks, a sentiment echoed by Moumen: ‘They want African tests for Africa.’
Efforts to develop rapid mpox tests that bypass lab processing are ongoing. Should these be approved, they could significantly enhance testing capacities in remote and resource-limited settings. Moldiag’s current production aligns with both WHO standards and health advocates’ pricing demands, standing in contrast to more expensive options by other manufacturers.
Morocco’s achievement in producing mpox tests reflects a broader continental shift towards self-reliance in health diagnostics. This development signifies a proactive approach to future public health challenges, underscoring the importance of localized production in meeting Africa’s unique needs.
Source: Apnews
