Great news for global health enthusiasts! 🌟 The World Health Organization (WHO) has just approved its first emergency use diagnostic test for mpox, developed by Abbott Laboratories. This groundbreaking move is set to ramp up testing capabilities in countries currently grappling with mpox outbreaks.
Introducing the Alinity m MPXV assay, this test leverages real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect mpox virus DNA from skin lesion swabs. Designed for trained clinical lab personnel, it promises swift and accurate identification of the virus, a crucial step in containing its spread.
Yukiko Nakatani, WHO's assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products, highlighted the significance of this approval. \"This marks a key milestone in expanding testing availability in affected regions,\" she said. The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure allows for a risk-based assessment of unlicensed vaccines, tests, and treatments, ensuring they become available quickly during public health crises.
But that's not all! The WHO is already evaluating three more mpox diagnostic tests for potential emergency use authorization and is in talks with other manufacturers to broaden the arsenal against the virus.
Earlier this August, the WHO urged manufacturers to submit their diagnostic products for emergency review, emphasizing the urgent need for effective testing solutions, especially in low-income areas.
Mpox has been declared a global public health emergency for the second year running, following outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighboring countries like Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda.
