Five years ago, the Covid-19 crisis reminded the world of the importance of health sovereignty. Producing and even creating and designing medicines locally, but also medical devices to be able to care for your population in complete independence has become an ideal to achieve. In Africa, companies and research centers are starting to emerge. This is particularly the case in Morocco.
From our correspondent in Rabat,
It is in the suburbs of Rabat that Moldiag has set up its production unit. And to access it, you have to show your credentials. “ We are not allowed to return without it », explains Doctor Abdeladim Moumen, the founder and scientific director of Moldiag. Protective equipment (gowns, caps, etc.) which meet strict standards. Here, the start-up manufactures diagnostic kits. “ It is unique in Africa. We are the first to master all stages, from development which is 100% Moroccan, to industrialization and marketing. “, he explains.
Four rooms in a row communicate using hatches to avoid any contamination. The production process is precise, the result of ten years of experience in the field. “ We have developed six tests, including the Mpox test. They are clinically validated and authorized for marketing. We have already started to market them elsewhere », explains Doctor Abdeladim Moumen.
Solutions adapted to the needs of the continent
Hepatitis C, tuberculosis, leukemia, Moldiag has even recently produced PCR tests for detect Mpox, which were ordered by the DRC notably. A diagnostic kit which has managed to integrate the list of tests recommended by the Africa CDC, the health agency of the African Union, alongside those developed by large American or Chinese laboratories.
« Today, thanks to these kits, we are able to contribute to the health security of our country », Rejoices Nawal Chraibi, head of Moldiag. She is also the general director of the MAScIR foundation, a research center which depends on the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and which has developed all these tests, allowing the emergence of local skills.
« We realized that the diagnostic giants were not necessarily interested in the diseases affecting the African continent », underlines the manager. Achieving health sovereignty would make it possible to meet its specific needs, but it comes at a cost. “ We cannot do research and invest in biotechnologies and vaccines if our market is limited, hence the need to have a large market like that of Africa. Morocco is currently confirming its desire to become a research platform on the continent », Analyzes Doctor Hamdi Tayeb, researcher in health policies and systems. Today, Africa still imports 95% of its medicines and practically all of its vaccines.
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