Morocco's first PCR test for mpox endorsed by Africa CDC

The 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.

In a press release published on Tuesday, the body described the Morocco-made PCR test as a «major milestone» 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».

Africa CDC's DAC offered guidance to Member States, recommending specific RT-PCR tests for procurement and use – an advisory support that proved invaluable for national testing strategies.

A list by the body on the recommended kits was published on 12 November 2024. The edition includes the 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», it noted.

The Chief Executive Officer of Moldiag, Nawal Chraibi, said, «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».

«The PCR test kit for mpox, locally manufactured in Morocco, which passed through stringent criteria, recommended by our DAC to be shortlisted is testament that quality medical countermeasures including diagnostics can be availed locally during outbreaks. I would like to congratulate Morocco for this outstanding achievement and encourage African Union Member States to consider the use of this testing solution as they continue responding to the mpox outbreak», Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya said.

The MASCIR Foundation of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) announced in October that the new «UM6P-MASCIR MPOX qPCR» diagnostic kit is ready for market launch in Morocco and across Africa.