site.btaEquipment Donated to National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases to Help Predict Course of Certain Diseases

Newly acquired equipment will help the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD) predict the severity and course of certain diseases, such as polio, rubella and measles. The equipment was donated by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) through the World Health Organization (WHO), under WHO's Emergency Response for COVID-19 and other Vaccine Preventable and Infectious Diseases in Ukraine and refugee hosting countries. The donation is worth nearly USD 150,000.

NCIPD Director Iva Hristova said the Center's readiness to cope with various infectious or viral diseases requires trained personnel, equipment and appropriate tests. "We are aware of the differences between the immunization calendars of Ukraine and Bulgaria and the vaccination gaps among arrivals from Ukraine, but they have the same health rights as Bulgarian citizens," Hristova said. She was asked whether the optional polio vaccine in Ukraine is a cause for concern.

WHO Representative for Bulgaria Guillaume Simonian said WHO thanked everyone who contributed to providing the equipment, first and foremost the Government of Japan for providing the assistance, the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria Hisashi Michigami and ASEF Executive Director Toru Morikawa. Simonian said Bulgaria acted as a very good host for the Ukrainian refugees. He added that unless the influx of large numbers of people is controlled and health care is provided, it could pose a serious problem.

Ambassador Michigami said Japan highly appreciates the efforts of the Bulgarian Government, which continues to provide assistance to the Ukrainian refugees, and expressed hope that the programme will help to improve the health of people in Bulgaria and of the Ukrainian refugees. Japan will continue to support Bulgaria's efforts, the diplomat said.

ESAF Executive Director Toru Morikawa thanked the Bulgarian Government for sheltering Ukrainian citizens and for ensuring their equal rights to health care by law. This project is not a set of supplies and equipment, but a vivid testimony of global cooperation and the commitment to achieving a better, sustainable future for generations to come, he said.

Deputy Health Minister Petko Stefanovski thanked for the donation on behalf of the Ministry.