Event highlights
WHO has successfully renovated laboratory premises and delivered essential supplies, equipment and furniture to the newly established polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory at the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) in Varna, Bulgaria. This initiative aims to enhance the diagnostic and outbreak response capacity in the Varna region, particularly benefiting the local population and the significant number of Ukrainian refugees residing in the area.
The delivery is part of an Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) project, which focuses on strengthening public health capacities to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to infectious disease threats in Bulgaria. Varna, a key urban and maritime hub on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, hosts a large number of refugees, predominantly from Ukraine, in the city and broader region. The ASEF project addresses the increased health-care demands linked to this influx of refugees from Ukraine and supports the timely detection and control of infectious diseases among both refugee and resident communities.
The equipment delivered to the Varna RHI PCR laboratory includes advanced molecular diagnostic tools, such as a high-performance real-time PCR system, an automated nucleic acid extractor, centrifuges, laboratory freezers, furniture and a comprehensive start kit of reagents and consumables for infectious disease testing. The laboratory space has been renovated to meet biosafety standards with specialized partitions, a ventilation system and disinfection features to ensure safe, reliable and efficient testing operations.
This upgraded laboratory capacity will significantly enhance Varna’s ability to detect infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, HIV, syphilis and other airborne and waterborne diseases. It will enable faster outbreak response, better surveillance and improved health-care access for vulnerable populations, including refugees and seasonal workers facing barriers to regular health services. Strengthening molecular diagnostics at this strategic location also supports Bulgaria’s readiness to manage epidemiological risks linked to high population mobility, tourism and maritime activities.
WHO extends its gratitude to the Bulgarian Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and the staff of the Varna RHI for their collaboration and commitment to advancing public health capacities in Bulgaria. WHO is particularly grateful to ASEF and the Government of Japan in Bulgaria for their funding and cooperation, which have been instrumental in making this initiative possible.