New PCR laboratory in Plovdiv strengthens outbreak detection and public health preparedness in Bulgaria

A new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory inaugurated in Plovdiv on 16 April is set to strengthen the early detection of infectious diseases and improve public health preparedness in central and southern Bulgaria, benefiting local communities, mobile populations and refugees from Ukraine living in the region.

Established at the Regional Health Inspectorate in Plovdiv through WHO support, with funding from the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and the Government of Japan, the laboratory expands molecular diagnostic capacity for a broad range of infectious threats, including influenza, tuberculosis, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections; vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps and rubella; as well as water-, food- and vector-borne diseases.

The inauguration brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, Municipality of Plovdiv, Regional Administration of Plovdiv Region, Regional Health Inspectorate in Plovdiv, Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria, ASEF, WHO, Ukrainian refugee community and other partners.

"For us, preparedness is not abstract; it is local," said Kristina Mauer-Stender, Special Representative of the WHO Regional Director in Bulgaria. "When diagnostics fail at the local level, the cost is paid by patients and communities. This PCR laboratory protects residents and visitors alike, strengthens surveillance and contributes to Bulgaria's national and regional health security."

Professor Antoniya Dimova, Deputy Minister of Health, underlined the value of the new capacity for routine surveillance and outbreak response. She said that modern molecular diagnostics, combined with high biosafety standards, make timely and reliable testing possible, enable rapid identification of infectious agents, support an appropriate response to outbreaks and enable evidence-based interventions to protect public health. In doing so, she noted, they strengthen preparedness and improve the health system's resilience.

Why Plovdiv, why now

Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second-largest city and a major hub for transport, industry and tourism, with continuous population movement throughout the year. That mobility makes strong surveillance and rapid diagnostics especially important. WHO and the Ministry of Health identified the need to strengthen laboratory-supported surveillance and confirmatory diagnostics in the region, including for vulnerable and mobile populations. The PCR laboratory was developed following needs assessments and site visits, and is intended to improve access to timely diagnosis and response in an area serving both host communities and refugees.

"In this world, where people move very rapidly, it is important to be prepared everywhere, so helping Bulgaria is helping the region and helping the globe," said H.E. Chikahisa Sumi, Ambassador of Japan in Bulgaria. He added that the laboratory, especially in Bulgaria's second city, would give people peace of mind.

Built to work from day one

WHO support for the laboratory included renovations, furniture, equipment, technical guidance, starter reagents and consumables and training and capacity-building for experts. According to project materials, the support package went beyond the PCR platform itself to include upgrading the laboratory space and supplying the conditions and resources needed to carry out testing safely, efficiently and consistently. The laboratory was refurbished to meet WHO standards, and staff completed theoretical and practical training in March 2026, before the opening.

"The Asia-Europe Foundation has supported the World Health Organization emergency response for COVID-19, vaccine-preventable and other infectious diseases in Ukraine and refugee-hosting countries with the generous support of the Government of Japan," said H.E. Beata Stoczyńska, Executive Director of ASEF, in a video message. She said the support was designed to ensure the new capacity could function effectively from the start, covering both upgrading the laboratory space and supplying key equipment, reagents and consumables.

The new laboratory builds on WHO's broader work with Bulgarian authorities to strengthen diagnostic, surveillance and response capacity in the context of infectious disease risks affecting both host and refugee populations. It is a practical investment in faster diagnosis, stronger surveillance and better preparedness - and, ultimately, in better protection for the people and communities served by this public health system.