TAMESNA, Morocco — In a landmark move that could change the future of healthcare accessibility in Africa, a Moroccan startup named Moldiag has emerged as a pioneering force by producing Africa's first mpox testing kits. This development comes as the continent grapples with the ongoing mpox outbreak and a pressing need to reduce reliance on imported medical supplies—a critical lesson learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency last August, Moldiag has worked tirelessly to deliver much-needed testing solutions. So far, Africa has recorded over 59,000 mpox cases and 1,164 deaths across 20 countries this year alone. The WHO has emphasized the importance of testing all suspected mpox cases, particularly in the most vulnerable populations in the world’s poorest countries.

However, many regions, especially in central African nations, continue to struggle with severe testing shortages. For example, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province, healthcare providers still rely on rudimentary methods—like checking for visible symptoms and taking temperatures—due to the lack of laboratory facilities capable of diagnosing mpox.

"This is a major problem," said Musole Robert, medical director at Kavumu Referral Hospital, one of the few healthcare centers managing mpox patients in the region. "The main issue remains the laboratory, which is not adequately equipped."

Mpox transmission primarily occurs through close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or their contaminated clothing and bedding, often resulting in visible skin lesions. However, diagnosing mpox is complicated by the fact that its symptoms can mimic other illnesses such as chickenpox or measles, making effective testing crucial.

While Western countries saw early mpox cases in 2022 and companies began creating rapid test kits, most efforts were sidelined as outbreaks diminished. Now, with the resurgence of mpox in Africa, scientists are increasingly worried about a newer variant of the virus that could spread more easily among populations.

Morocco has recorded only three mpox cases thus far, with most instances occurring in central Africa. Nonetheless, Moldiag's tests, priced at an affordable $5 each, could revolutionize testing capabilities across the continent.

The startup has received orders from countries including Burundi, Uganda, and Congo and has also supplied tests to Senegal and Nigeria. "It's rather easy to send tests from one African nation to another rather than waiting for tests to come in from China or Europe," said Moldiag founder Abdeladim Moumen.

Originally established as part of Morocco’s Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research, Moldiag has built a reputation for developing genetic tests for various diseases, including COVID-19 and tuberculosis. The approval of its mpox tests for distribution by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) marks a significant achievement for the company.

Although Moldiag has not yet pursued expedited approval from the WHO, the Africa CDC has created a process to accelerate test approvals—a response to the often lengthy timelines faced in international health bureaucracies. "Historically, international institutions have not always ensured that medical supplies are quickly made available for crises in Africa," noted Yenew Tebeje, acting director for laboratory diagnostics and systems at Africa CDC.

The importance of rapidly accessible testing options cannot be overstated. Current WHO-approved tests require laboratory processing, placing limitations on swift diagnostics in remote areas. Moldiag and other companies are committed to developing rapid tests that can be deployed immediately, reducing delays in response time during outbreaks.

At just $5, Moldiag's tests align with WHO recommendations and address concerns raised by health advocates regarding the cost of existing tests on the market. This is a key objective for African Union member states, who have aimed to improve healthcare self-sufficiency following disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Moldiag leading the way, experts are beginning to shift focus toward localized solutions to meet the continent's healthcare needs directly. As Moumen aptly put it, “They want African tests for Africa,” reflecting a growing recognition that healthcare innovation must arise from within the communities most affected by health crises.

In a world where global health preparedness is paramount, Morocco's strides in mpox testing could serve as a blueprint for other African nations, potentially changing the landscape of health crises on the continent forever.