Bio Farma Achieves 100% in 2026 WHO Accreditation Assessment, Affirming Measles and Rubella Laboratory Competence

Bio Farma achieved a 100% score across all applicable numerical assessment components in the 2026 WHO assessment and received a Pass status for all required molecular parameters. The results reaffirm the competence of Bio Farma’s Measles and Rubella Laboratory in serology, molecular detection, and genotyping, providing a strong foundation for further strengthening Bio Farma’s contribution to the national surveillance network and measles and rubella elimination efforts. 

Bio Farma team members and stakeholders involved in the 2026 WHO accreditation assessment. 

100% Built on Consistency

There is a number that may look simple, but represents a long process behind it: 100%.

This figure marks a key achievement for Bio Farma’s Measles and Rubella Laboratory in the 2026 WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network accreditation assessment.

Bio Farma achieved a 100% score across all applicable numerical assessment components, covering the General Review, Serology Checklist, External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Quality Control (QC) for measles and rubella serology, as well as the Molecular Checklist. In addition, Bio Farma received a Pass status in the EQA for molecular detection and sequencing of both measles and rubella.

These results confirm Bio Farma’s status as a WHO-accredited laboratory for measles and rubella serology, molecular detection, and genotyping. The achievement demonstrates that Bio Farma’s laboratory competence meets WHO standards within its defined scope of testing.

One hundred percent is more than a number. It reflects laboratory competence, consistency, quality systems, and the collective effort behind the work.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Laboratory Competence

The WHO assessment of the Measles and Rubella Laboratory goes beyond the laboratory’s ability to produce accurate test results. The assessment covers the General Review, serology, EQA and Quality Control, molecular testing, and genotyping competence within the laboratory’s defined scope.

This comprehensive approach provides an overall assessment of the laboratory’s capacity to support measles and rubella surveillance and diagnostics in accordance with WHO standards.

WHO on-site assessment at Bio Farma’s Measles and Rubella Laboratory, Bandung, 22 July 2026. 

WHO Assessment of Bio Farma’s Laboratory Competence

The assessment of Indonesia’s measles and rubella laboratory network was conducted from 20–31 July 2026. For Bio Farma, the on-site assessment took place on 22 July 2026 at the Laboratory of the Surveillance and Applied Virology Department in Bandung.

The assessment was conducted by Dr. Roger Evans from the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, accompanied by Dr. Joshua Harmani from the WHO Country Office Indonesia. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and the national reference laboratory, BBLBK Jakarta, were also involved in the assessment of Indonesia’s laboratory network.

From Bio Farma, the assessment involved the management and technical team of the Measles and Rubella Laboratory under the Surveillance and Applied Virology Department.

Bio Farma received the official assessment results on 8 September 2026 through the WHO accreditation report, confirming Bio Farma’s accreditation for measles and rubella serology, molecular detection, and genotyping.

Technical discussion during the assessment at Bio Farma’s laboratory. 

Three Core Areas of Competence 

The WHO recognition covers three key areas of laboratory competence: 

• SEROLOGY: Supports serological testing as part of measles and rubella surveillance activities.

• MOLECULAR DETECTION: Supports molecular detection of measles and rubella as part of laboratory confirmation.
• GENOTYPING: Supports characterization of circulating viruses and helps identify patterns and transmission chains of measles and rubella.

Genotyping is increasingly important in supporting disease elimination efforts. Bio Farma Bandung and BBLBK Jakarta are currently the two laboratories in Indonesia with measles and rubella genotyping capabilities.

Completing Bio Farma’s Vaccine Ecosystem

This achievement demonstrates that Bio Farma’s contribution to public health extends beyond vaccine supply. As an institution involved in vaccine provision, Bio Farma also operates a measles and rubella surveillance laboratory whose competence is recognized against WHO standards.

It is important to note, however, that this WHO accreditation does not directly assess or certify the quality of Bio Farma’s MR vaccine products. The assessment focuses specifically on the competence of the surveillance and diagnostic laboratory.

Nevertheless, the presence of a competent surveillance laboratory strengthens Bio Farma’s capabilities across the vaccine ecosystem—from vaccine production to disease surveillance and monitoring of viral dynamics in the population. The laboratory supports the availability of data for epidemiological monitoring, virus characterization, and evaluation of measles and rubella control programs.

From vaccines to surveillance, each capability plays a distinct role in supporting public health.

Behind the 100% Score

The 100% score was not achieved through a single factor. It reflects the consistent implementation of quality systems, the competence and experience of laboratory personnel, compliance with procedures and WHO standards, participation in EQA programs, and support for laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance.

WHO specifically highlighted Bio Farma’s experienced personnel, 100% EQA performance, and strong genotyping competence. WHO also recognized Bio Farma’s internal functions supporting equipment calibration, servicing, and maintenance as an advantage for the laboratory.

This demonstrates that laboratory quality is built not only through technology and equipment, but also through people, processes, quality systems, and consistent adherence to standards.

100% Is Not the Finish Line

For Bio Farma, this achievement is not a reason to stop. Instead, it provides a foundation for continued continuous quality improvement.

WHO provided several recommendations for further development, including reviewing genotyping and PCR protocols and considering whether the number of samples undergoing molecular testing should be increased. Bio Farma is also expected to complete the implementation of the NAR (New All Record) system, strengthen its role in molecular detection and genotyping within the national laboratory network, and maintain and preserve viral isolation cell stocks.

The standards achieved therefore need not only to be maintained, but continuously strengthened.

Strengthening the Network Toward Elimination

Laboratories play a critical role in disease surveillance networks. High-quality laboratory results support epidemiological monitoring while providing important information on circulating viruses. WHO assessed Indonesia’s measles and rubella laboratory network as a high-performing network with strong capabilities and expertise.

Within this network, Bio Farma contributes competence in serology, molecular detection, and genotyping, achieving a 100% score across all applicable numerical assessment components and a Pass status for all required molecular parameters.

WHO accreditation provides independent recognition that Bio Farma’s Measles and Rubella Laboratory is capable of conducting testing in accordance with international standards. This recognition strengthens Bio Farma’s credibility as part of the measles and rubella laboratory network and supports Indonesia’s contribution toward measles and rubella elimination.

A 100% score is an achievement to be proud of, but its significance lies beyond the number itself: it represents recognition of the competence, consistency, quality systems, and collective effort of Bio Farma’s Measles and Rubella Laboratory.

For Bio Farma, this achievement is not the end of the journey. It is a standard to be maintained and continuously strengthened into tangible contributions to measles and rubella surveillance and elimination efforts.

 

For Further Information, Please Contact :
Corporate Communications
PT Bio Farma (Persero)
corcom@biofarma.co.id