Monkeypox outbreak: a perspective on Africa's diagnostic and containment capacity

Since the first monkeypox (MPX) case was reported in humans in 1970, there have been several outbreaks of the disease. MPX is endemic in central and western Africa. MPX virus infection is confirmed using the conventional polymerase chain reaction, which detects the viral DNA in samples from the rash. Of concern is that the current outbreak has affected five regions of the world. Although MPX confirmatory tests are available worldwide, there are concerns about Africa's capacity to diagnose and contain the disease. The challenges faced by Africa include a lack of adequate laboratory infrastructure and health care workers, weak disease surveillance systems, and a lack of MPX knowledge among health care workers and communities. These challenges can be addressed by mobilizing resources for MPX virus testing, strengthening surveillance systems, collaboration among countries, training health care workers, task shifting, and engaging communities.