Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
The first diagnostic test for mpox has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), allowing for immediate results which could play a crucial role in curbing the increasing global cases of the deadly virus.
The latest PCR test allows for the identification of mpox DNA extracted from swabs of skin lesions.
At present, the samples need to be shipped to a lab for analysis, leading to a waiting period of days for the patient and medical professionals to receive the outcome.
Africa is still facing difficulties due to limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases, leading to the increased spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
The World Health Organization stated that only 40% of the over 30,000 suspected cases reported in Africa this year had been confirmed through a test.
Yukiko Nakatani, the WHO’s assistant director-general, described the new diagnostic test as “a significant milestone”.
“Increasing access to quality-assured medical products is central to our efforts in assisting countries to contain the spread of the virus and protect their people, especially in underserved regions,” she added.
The breakthrough comes as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the highest number of cases has been reported, prepares to begin an mpox vaccination programme on Saturday.
NKONKONSA.com
