MONROVIA – The Director of the Division of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology (DIDE) at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Dr. Ralph Jetoh, has been suspended without pay for one month, effective October 7, 2024. This decision follows mounting concerns from key health organizations, including the Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and NPHIL’s Senior Management, over the continued dissemination of inaccurate and substandard epidemiological data by the division.
The suspension, which was formally communicated in a letter dated October 5, 2024, signed by NPHIL Director-General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, cites a failure to adhere to multiple technical recommendations and hands-on interventions intended to rectify the quality of epidemiological bulletins and situation reports.
“Despite multiple suggestions and efforts from partners such as the Africa CDC, USCDC, USAID, and WHO, there has been no significant improvement in the accuracy of reports produced by the Division of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology,” the letter stated. The suspension letter stressed that the continued circulation of erroneous data undermines NPHIL’s credibility, damages relationships with international health bodies, and tarnishes Liberia’s global reputation.
The NPHIL has expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging that the recent reports from the division failed to meet expected standards. Dr. Nyan emphasized the institute’s commitment to improving public health communication and ensuring data accuracy moving forward. “While challenges remain, we are taking decisive steps to address them,” Dr. Nyan said, adding that corrected versions of the reports would be circulated in the coming days.
Dr. Jetoh’s suspension is intended to signal NPHIL’s dedication to accountability and transparency. In his absence, the organization has called on all staff and partners to work collaboratively to prevent further lapses in data reliability. Dr. Jetoh is expected to reflect on the gravity of the situation during his suspension and return with a renewed focus on delivering accurate epidemiological information.
Dr. Nyan concluded with an apology for any inconvenience caused, assuring stakeholders that NPHIL remains committed to upholding the highest standards in public health data management. Reflecting on his previous criticisms of the agency, he stated, “Prior to taking over NPHIL, I was critical of the poor quality of data produced by the entity. Now that I am leading the organization, I am seeing the issues firsthand and will ensure that NPHIL produces accurate and reliable public health data that will inform both national and global healthcare policies.”
