Africa: Morocco’s First Homegrown PCR Test for Mpox Gets Africa CDC Nod

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention through its Diagnostic Advisory Committee (DAC) has recommended the first locally manufactured Real-Time PCR test for mpox from Morocco. Africa CDC’s approval underscores the test’s reliability and efficacy, potentially boosting Morocco’s role in global health initiatives.

This major milestone is in line with the African Union’s continental effort to strengthen the self-sufficiency of African public health systems towards enhancing the continent’s efficiency in preparedness and response to disease threats.

It has been 93 days since the declaration of the mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the Africa CDC and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and World Health Organization (WHO). Within this 100-day mission period, a joint Africa CDC/WHO continental plan was launched.

Africa CDC has supported Member States through the continental plan. It procured and delivered PCR and genome sequencing test kits, GeneXpert cartridges. It also trained them on specimen collection and transportation, biosafety and biosecurity, and molecular testing for mpox. Africa CDC’s DAC offered crucial guidance to Member States, recommending specific RT-PCR tests for procurement and use – an advisory support that proved invaluable for national testing strategies.

Africa CDC and AUDA NEPAD jointly established the DAC as a quality mechanism to guide the selection, evaluation, validation, verification, and adoption of laboratory diagnostic technologies. It also facilitates data sharing. During this mpox emergency, Africa CDC has worked through the DAC to publish two editions of a recommended list of RT-PCR tests for mpox. Tests on the list have undergone a stringent, systematic process involving an independent review of the available evidence. The tests must fulfill key criteria set by the DAC based on the WHO Target Product Profile for mpox diagnostics.

The third edition of recommended list was published on 12 November 2024. The edition includes one locally manufactured PCR detection kit (UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0), manufactured by Moldiag, Morocco. The DAC reviewed the evidence about this test based on set criteria including independent evaluation data from the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and concluded that it fulfilled all the major criteria. This is a major achievement in the mpox response. The Chief Executive Officer of Moldiag, Ms Nawal Chraibi, said that: “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.”