The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-Africa) has hailed a groundbreaking achievement in the continent’s health landscape: Morocco’s first locally produced PCR test for Mpox detection. Developed by Moldiag, a company affiliated with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s MAScIR Foundation, this test, the first of its kind in Africa, marks a significant step toward health self-sufficiency on the continent.
CDC-Africa recognizes this development as a key advancement aligned with the African Union’s strategy to build resilient, self-reliant health systems across Africa. As part of its support, CDC-Africa continues to provide member states with PCR kits and genomic sequencing tools through a dedicated acquisition and distribution program, strengthening the continent’s response to health challenges.
Empowering African health with home-grown solutions
This initiative extends beyond simply distributing diagnostic tools. It also encompasses training programs across member states to bolster skills in sample collection, transportation, and biosafety standards. These efforts position Morocco as a leading force in promoting high medical standards and reinforcing Africa’s epidemic response capabilities.
The new PCR test, branded the “UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0,” has been included in CDC-Africa’s recommended diagnostic list. This kit was designed to meet the rigorous standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Mpox diagnostics, ensuring high precision and reliability in detecting the virus, which is critical for timely public health interventions.
Local innovation in health resilience
Moldiag’s CEO, Nawal Chraibi, expressed pride in the selection of their Mpox test, highlighting that this achievement underscores the company’s contribution to Africa’s health resilience. “Our locally produced diagnostic solutions are essential for a rapid and effective response to health crises in Africa,” Chraibi said, emphasizing that establishing local production capabilities is crucial to overcoming future health challenges.
By aligning with CDC-Africa’s vision for a self-reliant Africa, Moldiag’s Mpox test strengthens not only Morocco’s health sector but also serves as an example for other African nations aiming to bolster their domestic health manufacturing industries.
Towards a health-secure Africa
As Africa faces evolving health threats, the development of local diagnostic technologies is essential. Morocco’s Mpox PCR test signals a new era for African health, paving the way for other countries to innovate and contribute to a more self-sufficient, resilient continent. This milestone demonstrates how African countries can achieve health independence, safeguarding populations with faster, more accessible solutions crafted on African soil.
