Other Names: National Sanitary and Anti-Epidemic Center, Central Sanitary Quarantine Institute, Central Hygienic and Anti-Epidemic Station (中央衛生防疫所)

Location: Moranbong-kuyŏk (牡丹峰區域), Pyongyang (平壤市), North Korea

Telephone number: +850-2-521-1445

Subordinate to: Ministry of Public Health (保建省), Cabinet (內閣)

Size: One three-story building

Primary function: Research and development

Description: The Central Sanitary and Anti-Epidemic Research Institute was established in 1946. The institute is reportedly linked to biological weapons-related research. In 1987, the Hemorrhagic Fever Laboratory (出血熱硏究室) was established under this facility.  The laboratory reportedly has conducted research on epidemic hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which is named “No. 17 (17號)” in North Korea, as well as other bacterial agents with the potential to be weaponized. According to North Korean media reports, the institute’s main duties include attending to nationwide sanitation needs, providing inoculations against various diseases, and administering quarantines in order to prevent the introduction of foreign diseases into North Korea. The center reportedly has 10 main sections, including sections on hygiene, epidemic prevention, parasites, quarantines, and inoculations. As of 2001, the center was staffed by 10 doctors and assistants with masters’ degrees, and was supported by several medical technicians with years of experience. The institute also reportedly has 400 pieces of medical equipment.

	Updated July 2003

Key Sources:
Song T’ae-chun, A Dependable Sanitary and Anti-Epidemic Center,” Korea Today, 1 July 2001, p. 19, in “DPRK Hygiene, Anti-Epidemic Center Lauded,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20010725000097; Kim Tong Wŏn, “Ch’ejewigishi ‘Taenam Chŏllyakkadŭ’ Ro Hwalyong/Pukhan Saeng’hwahangmugi Shilch’ŏn’baech’i Sang’hwang,” Segye Ilbo, 24 Ocotber 1992, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng, (Seoul: Sŏmundang, 1999), pp. 367-368; “Koryŏŭihak,” Digital Pukhan Paekkwasajŏn, <http://www.kdatabase.com>; Yi Son-ho, “North Korea’s Technology for the Development of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Its Ability,” Pukhan, November 1998, pp. 38-51, in “Monthly on DPRK Weapons of Mass Destructio (sic),” FBIS Document ID: SK211131598.