Strengthening health resilience: new initiative for mpox testing and sequencing in Africa launched

A strategic grant for transformative health preparedness

PAMTA is supported by a direct grant to the Africa CDC and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) with a European Union co-funding (or ‘contribution’) of close to EUR 9.4 million, managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). In the next three years, the initiative will contribute to optimising Africa's capacity for Mpox testing and sequencing. This effort aligns with DG HERA's broader mission to promote equity, partnership, and resilience within global health systems.

Driving capacity building and local manufacturing

The PAMTA project emphasises four strategic objectives:

1. Scaling up Mpox testing: by directing resources toward the procurement and distribution of testing kits, PAMTA will support over 150,000 tests, integrating with existing health initiatives across Africa.
2. Enhancing sequencing capacities: the initiative will bolster Africa's genomic sequencing capabilities, crucial for identifying viral variations that can impact health outcomes.
3. Building capacity for diagnostics and data analysis: the initiative will train personnel in molecular assays and sequencing, enhancing Africa's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to health threats.
4. Supporting local manufacturing: by encouraging the production and validation of Mpox testing kits within Africa, PAMTA will reduce reliance on international supply chains and strengthen regional health systems.

The launch of PAMTA represents a critical advancement in the global pursuit of health resilience. By fostering international collaboration and innovation in diagnostics, the initiative underscores DG HERA's role in global health security and its dedication to supporting Africa's public health infrastructure.

Through strategic partnerships, PAMTA embodies a shared vision for improved health equity and preparedness, laying a robust foundation for future EU-Africa collaborations in health.

Complementing efforts with vaccine donations and research initiatives

PAMTA's launch builds upon substantial vaccine donations from DG HERA and Team Europe, with over 600,000 doses delivered to key African countries by mid-2025. In parallel, the MPX-RESPONSE project and EDCTP3 research initiatives continue to explore therapeutic responses to the Mpox outbreak, furthering the capabilities for addressing health challenges.

In a complementary effort, the Africa Pathogens Genomics Initiative is providing essential support for genomic sequencing and public health laboratory networks across Africa. Funded under the EU4Health 2023 Work Programme and managed by HaDEA, this project underscores EU commitment to enhancing outbreak detection and response capabilities.