WHO Approves First Mpox Diagnostic Test for Emergency Use

On 3rd Oct 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first mpox diagnostic test under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure, expanding access to medical testing.

Key Points

Test Approval: WHO approved Abbott Laboratories' PCR test, Alinity MPXV assay, which detects mpox virus DNA from skin swabs.
Increased Testing Availability: WHO is reviewing three other mpox tests and working with more companies, like Roche and Labcorp, to improve access to diagnostics.
Mpox Outbreak Statistics: Since January 2022, mpox cases have been confirmed in 121 countries, with over 103,000 cases and 229 deaths reported by September 2024.
Emergency Use Listing (EUL): The EUL procedure fast-tracks the approval of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, especially for low-income countries during public health emergencies.
Outbreak Center: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains at the center of the outbreak and has received its first mpox vaccine donations.