Moroccan biotech firm Moldiag initiated production after the World Health Organization declared mpox a global emergency in August. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reports over 59,000 cases and 1,164 deaths across 20 African nations this year.
The $5 tests are being distributed to countries including Burundi, Uganda, Congo, Senegal, and Nigeria.
The effort stems from Morocco's Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research. Moldiag, which previously developed COVID-19 and tuberculosis tests, received Africa CDC approval in November and is awaiting WHO expedited approval.
The initiative addresses a critical need for accessible testing in regions like eastern Congo, where many provinces lack lab facilities.
The push aligns with African Union objectives to bolster healthcare self-sufficiency following the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed global disparities in access to medical supplies. Morocco has taken a leadership role, launching a $500 million vaccine partnership with China's Sinopharm in 2021.
While Morocco has reported only three mpox cases, the virus remains prevalent in central Africa. Scientists have expressed concern about a new variant that may spread more easily.
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