By: Bunmi Yekini
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), has initiated a pivotal hands-on training workshop aimed at strengthening Mpox molecular testing, sequencing, and reporting capabilities across the African continent.
The training, held from the 19th to 24th of August 2024 brought together thirteen (13) participants from national reference laboratories in six African Union (AU) Member States: Burundi, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo.
The workshop addressed the growing need to bolster molecular testing and genomics-based surveillance amid a concerning rise in Mpox cases across Africa. Participants are receiving comprehensive training on various aspects of Mpox detection, including specimen handling, RT-PCR testing, sequencing, and data analysis.
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This effort is expected to significantly enhance the region’s capacity to monitor and respond to the spread and evolution of Mpox clades.
“Africa CDC has prioritized expanding and decentralizing Mpox testing and sequencing in its continental response plan,” said Dr. Yenew Kebede, Head of the Division of Laboratory Systems at Africa CDC. “This training is timely and critical to building on and re-training experts to expand Mpox testing capacity and capability across the continent.”
Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director General of INRB, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Accelerated scale-up of Mpox testing and sequencing is critical for an effective response. We are delighted to partner with the Africa CDC to conduct this training and share our experiences and expertise on Mpox testing and sequencing.”
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Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff and Head of the Executive Office at the Africa CDC, highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting AU Member States. “We continue to coordinate, support, and advocate for increased access to diagnostics, optimized, decentralized, and quality-assured Mpox testing across Member States,” he said.
The training is expected to empower participants with the skills necessary to enhance Mpox testing and surveillance in their respective countries, fostering a network of laboratory experts dedicated to the containment and management of the Mpox outbreak in Africa.