Nela Vamporova has assumed her role as WHO Representative in Bulgaria, succeeding Kristina Mauer.
Vamporova brings extensive experience in public health, systems reform, humanitarian work and international cooperation. For the last two years she has served as a Public Health Officer with WHO.
Vamporova holds a master's degree in communications. Before joining WHO, she held senior positions with the Bulgarian Red Cross, including Head of International Relations and Head of Refugee and Migrant Services during the first year of the war in Ukraine.
Earlier in her career, Vamporova spent a decade with the British charity Lumos, supporting the Government of Bulgaria in a nationwide childcare system reform, with a particular focus on disability. Her work encompassed legislative and policy reform, service development and workforce strengthening.
Among her previous international experience are assignments with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Armenia, Georgia and Tajikistan and in Kosovo,[1] as well as work with the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF and the American Red Cross in areas ranging from critical infrastructure safety to disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The many priorities of WHO’s Country Office in Bulgaria, with Vamporova at the helm, include strengthening public health and disease prevention, accelerating digital health and innovation, addressing noncommunicable diseases, and translating evidence and policy commitments into measurable improvements in health outcomes.