On 29 August 2024, ASLM’s LabCoP hosted the first session in a series of special ECHO sessions that focuses on mpox, epidemiology, recent trends, and the current diagnostic landscape. The upsurge of mpox in a growing number of countries in Africa has been recognized and declared to constitute a public health emergency of continental security by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). These declarations call for coordinated efforts including strengthening diagnostics, case management and surveillance capabilities across Africa and beyond to stop the outbreak and save lives. ASLM and partners are hosting a series of information and experience-sharing sessions aimed at equipping healthcare professionals, laboratory practitioners, and public health officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to strengthen diagnostic practices for mpox across Africa. In the first session of this series, we focus on recent trends, and the current diagnostic landscape in supporting the response. The session features two keynote speakers: Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer, ASLM; and Dr. Yenew Kebede Tebeje, Head, Division of Laboratory Systems & Networks, Africa CDC who both highlight the need for an urgent and coordinated response, the use of available tools and resources, and a structured deployment of additional resources within selected countries in Africa, premised on strategic collaboration. Presentations are made by Prof. Sikhulile Moyo, Laboratory Director, Botswana–Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership; and Dr. Kavi Ramjeet, Head of Business Intelligence, FIND. Please follow the links here to view the recorded ECHO session and download presentation slides.