The Bhutan Foundation, in partnership with the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB), marked the successful completion of the project, “Observational Study on COVID-19 Vaccine Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity in Bhutan,” at a closing ceremony graced by Hon’ble Minister of Health Tandin Wangchuk.
Supported by Moderna Inc., USA, through the Bhutan Foundation, the project represents a significant investment in Bhutan’s scientific research, medical education, laboratory infrastructure, and public health preparedness. The ceremony brought together representatives of partner institutions, researchers, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to celebrate the project’s achievements and formally hand over laboratory equipment valued at more than Nu. 97 million.
Implemented by KGUMSB in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, including the Royal Centre for Disease Control (RCDC), the project received funding exceeding USD 3 million and was implemented from January 2022 to June 2026.
Advancing Scientific Research and Laboratory Capacity
The project examined immune responses and adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination among adults and adolescents, generating valuable local evidence to inform vaccination policies and public health planning. Researchers also analyzed national surveillance data on Moderna booster dose uptake and SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Beyond vaccine research, the project made substantial investments in strengthening Bhutan’s laboratory infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities.
Laboratory equipment and resources worth more than Nu. 97 million were procured and provided to KGUMSB, RCDC, and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), enhancing institutional capacity for diagnostics, research, medical education, and patient care.
The project also supported the expansion of molecular and genomic diagnostic capabilities and strengthened antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, contributing to Bhutan’s ability to detect, monitor, and respond to infectious disease threats.
At KGUMSB, a dedicated biochemistry teaching laboratory was established for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, promoting competency-based practical learning and strengthening the quality of medical education. A research laboratory was also established to provide faculty members with improved opportunities for scientific investigation and academic research.
In Numbers
(Amount in Nu.)
Investing in Bhutan’s Healthcare Professionals
Recognizing that sustainable healthcare systems depend on skilled professionals, the project placed significant emphasis on human resource development, research, and institutional capacity building.
More than 200 laboratory professionals received training in Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP), strengthening laboratory quality management, technical competencies, and adherence to international standards. In addition, over 1,400 healthcare workers were sensitized on infection prevention and control, contributing to safer healthcare practices and improved service delivery.
In addition to the investment of more than Nu. 97 million in laboratory equipment, the project committed over Nu. 100 million towards capacity building, short- and long-term professional studies, scientific research, and publications. Together, these investments represent more than Nu. 197 million dedicated to strengthening Bhutan’s healthcare and research capabilities.
Among its significant contributions is support for the development of Bhutan’s first specialist in bioinformatics, an increasingly important field that combines biology, data science, and computational analysis to advance medical research and disease surveillance.
Three professionals were awarded scholarships for advanced studies, including one PhD in Bioinformatics and two master’s degrees in Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology. These investments will contribute to developing specialized national expertise in infectious disease research, epidemiological analysis, and public health preparedness.
Scholarship commitments will continue beyond the formal closure of the project until the candidates complete their studies, in accordance with the grant agreement.
Strengthening Collaboration and Public Health Preparedness
Another important milestone was the organization of the first National Laboratory Symposium, bringing together professionals from human health, animal health, and food safety laboratories.
The symposium provided a platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and cross-sectoral collaboration under the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health.
The project also contributed to strengthening laboratory quality management systems, supporting progress towards ISO 15189 accreditation, and enhancing digital learning platforms and institutional research resources.
Together, these initiatives have helped establish a stronger foundation for coordinated disease surveillance, scientific research, and responses to future public health emergencies.
A Lasting Investment in Bhutan’s Healthcare Future
The closing ceremony featured presentations on key research findings and project achievements, followed by the formal handover of laboratory equipment to beneficiary institutions.
While the project has formally concluded, its contributions will continue through improved laboratory infrastructure, strengthened research capabilities, enhanced medical education, and a growing pool of trained healthcare and scientific professionals.
The Bhutan Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Moderna Inc., KGUMSB, the Ministry of Health, RCDC, JDWNRH, and the researchers, healthcare professionals, and partner institutions whose dedication and collaboration contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
More than the completion of a research initiative, this milestone reflects the importance of sustained partnerships and investments in building Bhutan’s scientific and healthcare capabilities.
By strengthening institutions, empowering professionals, and advancing research, the project has laid an important foundation for a healthier, more resilient Bhutan, better prepared to address emerging public health challenges.
