In this Genomics Sequencing CoP ECHO Session, we focused on sharing country experiences in addressing Mpox-testing and genomic sequencing commodity-related PSCM challenges and explored best practices.

Effective procurement and supply chain management (PSCM) mechanisms of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Genomic Sequencing (GS) commodities is crucial timely diagnosis (detection and confirmation) and surveillance of any emerging and /re-emerging infections especially those public health concern. By ensuring the availability of PCR testing kits and GS commodities, African Union Member States can rapidly identify cases, implement control measures, elucidate transmission dynamics and ultimately limit transmission within affected populations.

In 2024, Africa experienced an outbreak of Mpox due to the driven by the clade Ib strain with cases reported in over 21 countries by End of December 2024 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being the most heavily affected, accounting for a substantial proportion of reported cases and fatalities. During this critical public health emergency, African countries continued to still experienced delays in accessing the needed PCR and GS commodities due to various bottlenecks in the procurement and supply chain mechanisms. To address these bottlenecks, efforts were implemented to proactively engage the relevant stakeholders, combined with well-coordinating logistics system while complying with countries’ national regulatory requirements ensures the timely delivery of commodities to testing laboratories.

In this session, Uganda shared its valuable insights into critical PSCM bottlenecks encountered and explored practical interventions implemented during the Mpox outbreak response. We discuss how collaborative approaches among relevant stakeholders are essential in improving supply chain resilience of PCR and GS commodities in the face of health crises across African countries. Access the session recording and PPT resource here to follow the discussion.