Burundi, Africa CDC Collaborate To Fight Mpox Outbreak

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024. As Burundi responds to the ongoing mpox outbreak, Africa CDC has made substantial contributions in terms of equipment, materials and training. This initiative aims to enhance the country's capacity to detect, characterize and manage mpox cases effectively.

The donation from Africa CDC includes state-of-the-art equipment such as an Illumina MiniSeq sequencing system and reagents, a high-performance computer server and mpox qPCR testing kits. These resources, along with other essential consumables, are set to revolutionize Burundi's molecular testing and sequencing capabilities.

Dr. Yenew Kebede, a representative from Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of this contribution, stating, "These resources provided and skills built, will enhance the country's molecular testing and sequencing capabilities, enabling accurate and timely detection and characterization of mpox cases and boosting the national testing and pathogen detection capacity."

Beyond the equipment donation, Africa CDC has invested in building local expertise. The team at the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) has received comprehensive training on molecular testing, sequencing and result interpretation. This knowledge transfer is crucial for the practical application of the new resources in real-world scenarios.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate mpox response. It contributes to improving sample management and referral processes while reinforcing biosafety and biosecurity practices. These enhancements are not only vital for addressing the current mpox outbreak but also play a significant role in strengthening Burundi's overall preparedness for future health challenges.

By equipping healthcare professionals with advanced tools and knowledge, Africa CDC is paving the way for more accurate and timely detection of mpox cases in Burundi. This targeted approach to capacity building is a testament to the organization's commitment to supporting African nations in their fight against infectious diseases.

As Burundi integrates these new resources and skills into its healthcare system, the country is better positioned to respond effectively to the mpox outbreak and potentially other emerging health threats. This collaborative effort between Africa CDC and Burundi's health authorities serves as a model for strengthening health systems across the continent, showcasing the power of targeted investments in technology and training.

Source: Africa CDC

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Published: OCTOBER 14, 2024

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