After experiencing significant delays in acquiring medical testing supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, African nations have intensified efforts to reduce reliance on imports. A groundbreaking initiative has emerged from Morocco, where the startup Moldiag is producing Africa’s first mpox testing kits. This move signals a significant step toward medical self-reliance as the continent grapples with ongoing mpox outbreaks.
Moldiag began developing mpox tests shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency in August. The virus has primarily affected central Africa, with over 59,000 reported cases and more than 1,100 deaths in 20 countries this year, according to the Africa CDC. Despite the WHO’s recent commitment to improving access to mpox tests, vaccines, and treatments for underprivileged nations, the rollout has been slow. Testing remains critical, as the virus often mimics symptoms of other illnesses like measles or chickenpox, complicating diagnosis in underserved areas.
In regions like eastern Congo, where testing infrastructure is sparse, doctors are forced to diagnose mpox based solely on physical symptoms and temperature checks. “The lack of proper laboratory facilities is a major obstacle,” said Dr. Musole Robert, director of the Kavumu Referral Hospital. Without accessible and reliable tests, tracking the spread of the virus remains challenging.
Moldiag’s initiative stands out for its affordability and accessibility. Selling at just $5 per test, the company is helping alleviate the testing bottleneck in Africa. Founder Abdeladim Moumen emphasized the logistical advantages of producing tests within the continent, saying, “It’s easier and faster to ship tests between African nations than to wait for imports from Europe or Asia.”
The company has already received orders from several countries, including Burundi, Uganda, Congo, Senegal, and Nigeria. Moldiag operates under Morocco’s Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Research (MAScIR), a nonprofit backed by funding from the European Commission and Moroccan government. Building on prior success with genetic tests for COVID-19 and tuberculosis, Moldiag gained approval for mpox testing from the Africa CDC in November.
However, the company has not yet sought expedited WHO approval, a process often criticized for its lengthy timelines. The Africa CDC has implemented its own accelerated approval framework to bypass delays and ensure swift access to diagnostics for African nations. Moldiag and other manufacturers are also working on developing rapid, lab-free mpox tests to meet growing demand.
This initiative aligns with the African Union’s broader mission to bolster local manufacturing of medical supplies, an objective reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders across Africa, representing over 1.4 billion people, are determined to address inequalities in global healthcare access. Moumen highlighted the importance of localized production, stating, “African tests for Africa ensure tailored solutions and faster responses to outbreaks.”
By making affordable and accessible mpox tests available, Morocco is not only leading the way in Africa’s fight against mpox but also setting a precedent for self-reliance in public health innovation.
