In the wake of Africa’s struggles to secure testing kits during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Moroccan startup is addressing the continent’s dependence on imported medical supplies. Moldiag, a Moroccan biotech company, has made history as the first African enterprise to produce mpox test kits, offering a crucial solution as outbreaks continue to affect the region.
Moldiag began developing mpox tests after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global health emergency in August. The African CDC reports over 59,000 mpox cases and 1,164 deaths across 20 African countries this year, highlighting the urgent need for accessible testing.
“Testing is essential to track and control the virus, especially in remote areas where facilities are limited,” said Musole Robert, medical director of the Kavumu Referral Hospital in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province. In regions like Congo, many provinces lack laboratories, forcing doctors to rely on visible symptoms and basic temperature checks, which complicates accurate diagnosis and tracking of the virus.
Mpox, primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated materials, shares symptoms with diseases like chickenpox and measles, making reliable testing critical. Despite rapid test development efforts during outbreaks in Western countries, many projects were shelved once the virus was contained, leaving Africa underserved as new outbreaks emerge.
Moldiag’s kits, priced at just $5, offer an affordable and accessible option for African nations. The company has already begun fulfilling orders from countries such as Burundi, Uganda, Congo, Senegal, and Nigeria.
“The tests we produce address shortages while being affordable,” said Moldiag founder Abdeladim Moumen, highlighting their importance in the fight against the disease.
The WHO is also working to supply tests, vaccines, and treatments to vulnerable populations in impoverished areas but has faced criticism for delays. Meanwhile, countries like Morocco are stepping up to bridge the gap, paving the way for greater self-reliance in Africa’s healthcare system.
