Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently approved two additional diagnostic tests for mpox under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure.
This significant development aims to expand access to quality-assured testing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that are grappling with mpox outbreaks.
The newly approved tests are the Xpert Mpox and the cobas MPXV, both of which were listed in October 2024.
By meeting international standards for quality, safety, and performance, these tests will help to address the specific needs of LMICs.
Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO’s Director for Regulation and Prequalification, highlighted the crucial role of rapid access to quality-assured diagnostic tests in enabling efficient testing, timely treatment, and effective containment of mpox outbreaks.
This year, over 40,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported across 18 countries.
However, testing capacity remains limited, especially in LMICs.
The WHO’s approval of these new diagnostic tests is a step towards improving testing capabilities and strengthening global health responses to mpox.
