Ayobamiji Komolafe 
Mpox Blisters On Human Body
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first Mpox in vitro diagnostic test under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure.
This aims to boost global access to Mpox testing with the Vitro Diagnostic Test.
The Alinity m MPXV assay, developed by Abbott Molecular Inc., received emergency use approval on Thursday which marks a critical step in expanding diagnostic capabilities, particularly in countries facing Mpox outbreaks.
READ ALSO:
- Mpox Outbreak: Over 800 Deaths Recorded Across Africa
- India Confirms First Mpox Case in Current Outbreak
- Gavi, Bavarian Nordic Secures 500,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses For Africa
WHO emphasized that early diagnosis through this real-time PCR test will aid in providing timely treatment and controlling the virus.
Mpox testing remains limited in many African nations, with WHO reporting over 30,000 suspected cases in 2024.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, only 37% of suspected cases have been tested this year.
The new diagnostic test detects monkeypox virus DNA from human skin lesion swabs, enabling health workers to confirm cases more efficiently.
WHO Assistant Director-General, Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, stated that this development is essential in helping countries, especially underserved regions, combat the virus.
The EUL process fast-tracks the availability of critical health products like vaccines and tests, and WHO has received three additional submissions for mpox diagnostic tests to expand testing options worldwide.
