Kojouharova, Mira

Professor Mira Kojouharova is a distinguished epidemiologist with extensive experience in communicable disease surveillance and prevention. She served as Deputy Director of the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia (2008–2016) and Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Surveillance. From 1996 to 2016, she was the National Consultant on Epidemiology to the Bulgarian Ministry of Health (MoH).

During her tenure, she contributed to major national public health initiatives, including:

• Strengthening Bulgaria’s Communicable Disease Surveillance System, epidemic preparedness, and response (including EWRS integration).
• Enhancing the National Immunization System, overseeing vaccine coverage, safety, and the introduction of new vaccines.
• Leading the harmonization of national surveillance with EU systems.

She was the Principal Coordinator for:

• Establishing the Sentinel Surveillance System for Influenza and ARI in Bulgaria.
• Developing the first National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan.

Her expertise spans epidemiology, vaccine-preventable diseases, influenza, acute respiratory infections, poliomyelitis, and viral hepatitis. She has led or participated in over 20 international research projects, published over 200 medical papers, and presented at 90+ scientific events.

Currently, she is a member of the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC).

Past roles include:

• Member of WHO advisory bodies: ETAGE, ACPE, HIB Initiative, and others.
• Member of the European Commission’s Health Security Committee and Influenza Section (2006–2015).
• Involved with ECDC as:
  • Management Board member (2007–2011)
  • Advisory Forum member (2011–2016)
  • National Contact Point for Surveillance and Influenza (2006–2016)
  • Editorial board member of Eurosurveillance (2004–2015)