In Bulgaria, newborn screening is currently limited to three rare diseases: phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. 

The government plans to expand screening to include three additional conditions: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), cystic fibrosis, and immune deficiencies. The start of the screening for these additional diseases is expected to begin in a few days.

The rollout was delayed by about a year due to funding issues, but has now received over €1.5 million for implementation. 

Screening is done via a heel-prick blood test, analyzed in specialized laboratories. 

The goal is earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life for affected children. 

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