Mpox outbreaks in Africa could be ended in 6 months, WHO chief says
Associated PressAug 25
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The PCR test detects "DNA from pustular or vesicular rash samples" from skin lesions, according to the agency.
The approval of the test, named Alinity m MPXV assay and developed by Abbott Laboratories, comes as the WHO is reviewing three diagnostic tests for emergency use.
Since the WHO declared mpox an emergency in August, the global health community has ramped up its public health regimens. While this robust program has included both testing and treatments, roadblocks — including vaccine hesitancy and lack of funding — still persist. It's now paramount that every country, particularly in Africa where the virus is endemic, begin looking for flu-like symptoms and conducting mass testing and vaccinations.
Despite the WHO's confidence, it appears the global health body is making all the same mistakes it did with COVID. We don't actually know if there are multiple strains, nor is it clear if this is an animal-to-human virus or a sexually transmitted disease. The world can't even rely on the efficacy of these emerging PCR tests, but what it can expect is for the WHO to push for experimental treatment mandates and censorship.