Partnership to Accelerate Mpox and Other Outbreaks Testing and Sequencing in Africa (PAMTA)

Background

Across Africa, the persistent threat of infectious disease outbreaks continues to challenge public health systems, economies, and communities. From Ebola to COVID-19, and now Mpox, the continent faces a complex landscape
of emerging and re-emerging pathogens. Mpox, in particular, has underscored the urgent need for robust diagnostic infrastructure. Despite growing detection and sequencing capacity, significant gaps remain in timely and equitable access to testing. These challenges are compounded by limited laboratory networks, supply chain constraints, and underinvestment in local manufacturing of diagnostics.

Addressing these systemic barriers is critical not only for Mpox, but for strengthening Africa’s preparedness
and response to future outbreaks. Recognizing these persistent challenges, Africa CDC has taken strategic steps to strengthen the continent’s diagnostic and genomic capabilities. Africa CDC is working with partners is leading the coordination and implementation of molecular diagnostics, pathogen genomics, and bioinformatics across National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) and Reference Laboratories (NRLs) in African Union (AU) Member States. This integrated approach is central to building a resilient, data-driven response to outbreaks like Mpox and beyond, ensuring that Africa is not only reactive but proactively equipped to detect, monitor, and contain infectious threats.