The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it has given the green light to the first in vitro diagnosis (IVD) for Mpox, which should make it possible to combat the epidemic more effectively, according to a WHO statement issued on Friday.

According to official figures, the disease has already caused the death of around 900 people in Africa since the beginning of the year.

"Early diagnosis of Mpox disease allows for rapid treatment and care, as well as control of the virus," emphasizes the statement quoted by RFI, explaining the importance of making this test available, which "in Africa, screening capacities are limited and delays in confirming Mpox cases persist, contributing to the continued spread of the virus."

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads from animal to man, but is also transmitted between humans, causing fever, muscle pain and skin lesions, which in extreme cases can lead to death.

This year, some 34,297 cases have been identified in the five African regions, according to the African Union's health agency. The disease has been officially detected in 16 African countries, the most affected being Burundi, Nigeria and above all the Democratic Republic of Congo, considered the epicenter of the epidemic, with a death toll of 833 and more than 26,000 registered cases.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, only 37% of the suspected cases have been tested this year and a vaccination campaign that was due to start last Wednesday has been postponed, with no new date set.