ETHIOPIA – The Ministry of Health, Singapore, has announced a significant contribution to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to enhance its capacity for managing the ongoing mpox outbreak.
The support package includes diagnostic kits and testing supplies capable of conducting up to 50,000 mpox tests, addressing critical gaps in case detection and management across the continent.
The mpox outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by Africa CDC on August 13, 2024, has significantly strained public health systems in 19 African Union member states.
The World Health Organization (WHO) followed by designating it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.
By November 2024, over 12,000 confirmed cases had been reported, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
Tackling a testing crisis
One of the primary challenges in controlling the mpox outbreak has been the lack of adequate testing supplies, which has hampered efforts to detect cases, trace contacts, and implement effective public health measures.
In response, Africa CDC has been instrumental in equipping member states with essential tools for epidemic preparedness.
These efforts include procuring PCR and genomic sequencing kits, training personnel on sample handling and biosafety, and providing clear recommendations for diagnostic tools aligned with WHO guidelines.
The mpox outbreak has highlighted the need for robust diagnostic and response mechanisms in Africa.
Morocco, which reported its first case in Marrakech in September 2024, demonstrated the importance of timely detection and care.
The patient, who presented mild symptoms, received appropriate medical attention and remains stable.
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“For the first time, we have developed a comprehensive continental response plan for disease outbreaks, addressing all pillars of outbreak response, including enhanced diagnostics and genome sequencing.
We thank the Ministry of Health, Singapore, for its generous contribution. We hope this will pave the way for broader cooperation between African Union member states and Singapore in strengthening public health initiatives.”
Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health, reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to global health collaboration:
“Singapore’s contribution to the Africa CDC underscores our commitment to strong international cooperation in public health. We recognize the challenges faced by African Union Member States in managing the mpox clade I situation, particularly in testing and diagnosing suspected patients.
Through this contribution, we hope to help bolster Africa CDC’s capacity for effective case management. By helping other countries, we also strengthen our own region’s resilience. Global health security must always be a shared international responsibility.”
Milestone in local manufacturing
In a parallel development, Africa CDC has recommended the first locally-manufactured real-time PCR test for mpox, produced by Moldiag in Morocco.
The diagnostic kit, UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0, meets WHO’s target product profile for mpox diagnostics and is part of Africa CDC’s broader efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in public health systems.
Moldiag’s Director General, Nawal Chraibi, expressed pride in the lab’s contribution to Africa’s health resilience:
“We are proud to align with CDC-Africa’s vision of an autonomous and health-secure Africa. Boosting local production is essential to enhancing preparedness and response to epidemics on the continent.”
