17-07-2025
Bahrain's National Influenza Centre Earns Top WHO Certification
The Ministry of Health has announced that the National Influenza Centre, part of the Public Health Laboratories, has once again earned top marks in the World Health Organization's (WHO) External Quality Assessment for the detection of influenza and COVID-19 viruses.
The certification marks the twelfth consecutive year—since 2013—that the centre has achieved a perfect score, reaffirming its role as a trusted player in international health networks and its dedication to accurate and professional disease surveillance.
This recognition also cements Bahrain's leading role in the Eastern Mediterranean Region's Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance Network, showcasing the country's ongoing commitment to sharing vital health data with global reference laboratories in line with the highest international standards.
Dr. Samia Al Baharna, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said the certification reflects the expertise and dedication of Bahrain's national health workforce in monitoring and analyzing respiratory viruses with precision. 'It's a testament to the readiness and resilience of Bahrain's health system in responding swiftly to health emergencies and outbreaks,' she added.
Echoing this, Amjad Al Ghanem, Head of the Public Health Laboratories, praised the technical and administrative teams for their consistent efforts. She emphasized that Bahrain's continued excellence in international evaluations strengthens the country's disease surveillance programs and underlines its progress in combating infectious diseases both regionally and globally.