The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday the approval of the first in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for mpox for emergency use.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared the news on X, highlighting the growing global demand for mpox testing.
This need has arisen due to ongoing outbreaks in several countries, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The Alinity m MPXV assay, manufactured by Abbott Molecular, is expected to significantly enhance diagnostic capacity in affected nations.
The WHO emphasized that early diagnosis of mpox facilitates timely treatment and control of the virus.
Despite this progress, the organization warned of limited testing capacity in Africa, which hampers efforts to confirm cases and manage outbreaks.
In 2024, over 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported in the region, with the highest numbers in DR Congo, Burundi, and Nigeria.
Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for access to medicines, described the test approval as a crucial milestone in expanding testing availability.
The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process accelerates access to essential medical products during public health emergencies.
WHO is currently evaluating three additional submissions for EUL and is in discussions with other mpox IVD manufacturers for more diagnostic options.
