On August 19, 2024, the Africa CDC, in partnership with the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), launched a hands-on training on molecular testing, sequencing, and reporting of Mpox cases.
Thirteen participants from the national reference laboratories of six African Union (AU) Member States--Burundi, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo--were trained. Given the rise in Mpox cases, there is a critical need to strengthen molecular testing and genomics-based surveillance in the region. This training aims to equip these AU Member States with the necessary skills to accurately detect, effectively monitor, and report the spread and evolution of Mpox clades in Africa.
The training workshop, held from August 19-24, covered a combination of theoretical and hands-on training in the collection and handling of Mpox-suspected specimens, isolation of nucleic acid, detection of Mpox virus (MPXV) using RT-PCR assay, sequencing, data analyses, and reporting of results for public health interventions. Furthermore, the Africa CDC and INRB will distribute validated MPXV RT-PCR kits to expand testing across the continent.
"Africa CDC has prioritized expanding and decentralizing Mpox testing and sequencing in its continental response plan. This training is timely and critical to building on and re-training experts to expand Mpox testing capacity and capability across the continent. We will continue to organize additional hands-on training programs and distribute testing kits to other AU Member States to strengthen Mpox surveillance across the continent," said Dr Yenew Kebede, Head of the Division of Laboratory Systems at the Africa CDC.
"The significant increase in Mpox cases and deaths across Africa underscores the urgent need to enhance in-country and cross-border surveillance capabilities. We must rapidly identify and track the circulating Mpox clades. Scaling up genomics surveillance is crucial to understanding the virus's spread, evolution, and potential for new variants, enabling us to implement targeted public health interventions," he added.
"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," said Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director General of INRB. The training covers various topics, from collecting and handling specimens to RT-PCR testing, sequencing, and timely reporting of the results to inform response and containment strategies.
Dr Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff and Head of the Executive Office at the Africa CDC and the Incident Manager for Mpox Outbreak Response in Africa, said Africa CDC would continue to support the AU Member States in strengthening their capacity and capability to detect and respond to the Mpox outbreak. "We continue to coordinate, support, and advocate for increased access to diagnostics, optimized, decentralized, and quality-assured Mpox testing across Member States," he said.
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The participants are expected to put into practice the skills and knowledge gained from this training to expand Mpox testing and surveillance in their respective home countries. Furthermore, the training workshop will create a network of laboratory experts to collaborate and share expertise and resources in Mpox detection, characterization, and response.
