Great news on the global health front! 🌍 The World Health Organization (WHO) has just approved its first emergency use diagnostic test for mpox, developed by Abbott Laboratories. This move is set to boost testing in countries grappling with outbreaks.
The test, called the Alinity m MPXV assay, uses real-time PCR technology (yep, the same tech used for COVID-19 tests!) to detect mpox virus DNA from skin lesion swabs. 🧪 It's designed for trained lab personnel, helping them quickly and accurately identify the virus.
Yukiko Nakatani, WHO's assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products, highlighted this approval as a major milestone. \"This is the first mpox diagnostic test listed under the Emergency Use Listing (EUL),\" she said, emphasizing its role in expanding testing where it's needed most.
So, what's the EUL? It's a procedure that fast-tracks the availability of unlicensed vaccines, tests, and treatments during public health emergencies. 🚀
But the WHO isn't stopping there! They're currently evaluating three more mpox diagnostic tests and chatting with other manufacturers to make even more testing tools available. 🛠️
Back in August, WHO called on companies to submit their tests for emergency review, stressing the need for effective solutions, especially for low-income communities.
Mpox was declared a global public health emergency again this August, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that spread to neighboring countries like Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Here's to hoping this new test helps curb the spread and keeps communities safe! 🙌
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
