Modern virology laboratory supported by the Pandemic Fund opens in Turkistan

September 10, 2026

Group photo of people in formal attire on a red carpet outside a beige building for a ceremony. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Alisher Mustafin

A new virology laboratory of the National Center of Expertise under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan was officially inaugurated today in the city of Turkistan. The lab was established by the Government of Kazakhstan as part of the country’s Pandemic Fund project, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The new laboratory is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s laboratory system and enhance the country’s preparedness for preventing and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

Outdoor ribbon-cutting ceremony with formally dressed guests on a red carpet under a white tent.

Photograph: group of formally dressed people on a red carpet outside a building; media present.

Man in a suit unveils a red curtain at a school ceremony as onlookers watch.

Two men in suits shake hands in front of a wall plaque during a formal ceremony.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Alisher Mustafin

Before the establishment of this facility, Turkistan Region did not have its own specialized virology laboratory, requiring biological samples to be sent to other regions of the country for testing. The creation of a modern laboratory will significantly reduce diagnostic turnaround times, improve access to laboratory services for the population, and strengthen epidemiological surveillance in one of Kazakhstan’s most densely populated regions.

Kazakhstan was among the countries selected to receive financing from the Pandemic Fund during its first round of global project funding aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness and health emergency response capacities. The Pandemic Fund grant supports the strengthening of the national public health system, with a focus on enhancing epidemiological surveillance, modernizing laboratory systems, ensuring biosafety and biosecurity, improving early detection and outbreak response mechanisms, strengthening infection prevention and control measures, and developing the health workforce.

Group of professionals with badges converse in a conference hallway; medical staff stand at right.

Five smiling people in business attire stand outside a light-colored building beside a wall sign.

Multi-panel safety sign on beige wall warning BSL-2 biological safety with biohazard symbol.

Group photo of medical staff in white coats with a woman in beige by a doorway with a red ribbon.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Alisher Mustafin

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Timur Sultangaziyev, First Vice Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dr. Amparo Elena Gordillo-Tobar, Senior Health Economist and Portfolio Manager at the Pandemic Fund, representing the Fund’s Executive Head, Priya Basu; Dr. Skender Syla, WHO Representative in Kazakhstan; representatives of UNDP, representatives of the National Center of Expertise, and local executive authorities.

Politician in suit speaks at podium with gold emblem; flag visible in background. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Alisher Mustafin

WHO Representative in Kazakhstan Dr Skender Syla emphasized the importance of investing in resilient health systems:

“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that strong laboratory systems are the foundation of national and global health security. The new laboratory in Turkistan will help ensure faster access to quality diagnostics, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, and improve the country’s readiness to respond to infectious disease threats. This achievement reflects the successful collaboration between the Government of Kazakhstan, WHO, the World Bank, UNDP and the Pandemic Fund.”

Bald man in a gray suit speaks at a podium with a gold seal outdoors. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Alisher Mustafin

"The UNDP’s role in this partnership was primarily to help transform a shared vision into a tangible, operational facility – spanning everything from the laboratory's construction and necessary procurement to its equipping and the implementation of modern technological solutions."

noted Sukhrob Khojimatov, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Kazakhstan.

Photograph: Group of people in white shirts seated outdoors, clapping at an event.

Photograph of a man in a dark suit speaking at a podium with a gold emblem outdoors.

Audience seated at a conference; media with cameras in the back.

Female speaker at podium with UNDP banners in the background.

Photograph of attendees at a formal event; suited men sit as photographers take photos in back.

Man in a suit delivering a speech at an outdoor podium with a gold emblem; red carpet nearby.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Alisher Mustafin

Accurate and reliable laboratory test results are crucial; therefore, it is essential to monitor not only the testing process itself but also the temperatures of refrigerators and freezers, storage conditions for samples and reagents, and equipment and environmental parameters. Any significant deviation requires a timely response.

As part of the ceremony, participants took part in a symbolic ribbon-cutting event, toured the laboratory facilities and equipment, and engaged in a media briefing with media representatives.

The construction of the facility, its outfitting with modern laboratory equipment, and the introduction of energy-efficient solutions comply with international requirements for biosafety and sustainable development. The laboratory will play an important role in strengthening Kazakhstan’s national diagnostic system and safeguarding the country’s sanitary and epidemiological well-being.