Submission ID 116905
| Issue/Objective | The resurgence of Mpox in Africa, including its classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in 2024, underscores the need for robust laboratory systems to support early detection and response. Several ECOWAS countries, including Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Guinea, have reported cases, necessitating an assessment of laboratory capacities in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the readiness and capacity of laboratories within the ECOWAS region to detect and respond to Mpox outbreaks, identify gaps, and provide strategic recommendations for strengthening diagnostic capabilities. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A self-administered questionnaire was developed based on the WHO COVID-19 laboratory assessment checklist, covering seven thematic areas: laboratory administration, equipment, infrastructure, specimen handling, laboratory testing, quality management systems (QMS), and mobile laboratory availability. Laboratories were scored based on responses (Yes = 2, Partial = 1, No = 0), with readiness defined as scoring ≥70% across all thematic areas. |
| Results | A total of 28 reference laboratories across 15 ECOWAS member states were invited to participate, with 20 laboratories (71.4%) from 9 countries responding. Among the responding labs: • 90% were public health laboratories, while 10% were research institutions. • 95% had Biosafety Level (BSL) II or higher and functional molecular diagnostic equipment. • 13 (65%) laboratories met the 70% readiness threshold, while 7 (35%) failed to meet the target in at least one thematic area. • Gaps were most pronounced in infrastructure, laboratory administration, and equipment availability. • Only 5 laboratories in 4 countries had mobile laboratories, with just two meeting the 70% score threshold. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | While most responding laboratories demonstrate readiness for Mpox diagnostics, significant gaps exist, particularly in infrastructure, backup systems, and mobile laboratory access. Strengthening laboratory networks through targeted investments, technical support, and capacity-building efforts is critical for ensuring a timely and effective Mpox response across West Africa. Recommendations: • Conduct on-site technical assessments to further evaluate laboratories that did not meet the readiness threshold. • Enhance laboratory capacities through targeted training, equipment procurement, reagent distribution, and infrastructural upgrades. • Expand mobile laboratory access to ensure rapid deployment. • Engage non-responding laboratories to ensure comprehensive regional laboratory preparedness and response coordination. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Kayode Akanbi ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Victor Fatimehin ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Mamadou Diarrassouba ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control |
