MONROVIA — Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, M.D., recently expressed his deep gratitude and excitement on LinkedIn following his appointment as the Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. In his statement, Dr. Nyan acknowledged the thorough vetting process by the NPHIL Board of Directors and expressed his eagerness to serve in this vital role. “The NPHIL is equivalent to the US NIH and US CDC combined! Looking forward to a professional, collaborative, and patriotic execution of national duties!” Dr. Nyan stated, extending his thanks to President Boakai, his family, the Liberian people, Africa, and the global community for their steadfast support and prayers.
President Boakai’s decision to appoint Dr. Nyan on August 6, 2024, based on the recommendation of the NPHIL Board, underscores the administration’s commitment to placing highly qualified professionals in key public health positions. According to a presidential press release, Dr. Nyan brings significant endorsements and a wealth of experience in the medical and public health fields, making him an ideal candidate to lead NPHIL. The appointment, effective immediately, is viewed as a strategic move to bolster Liberia’s public health infrastructure.
President Boakai has called on Dr. Nyan to uphold his tradition of diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in his new role. Dr. Nyan’s distinguished career as a Liberian medical doctor, biomedical scientist, public health expert, inventor, and social activist spans over 25 years, with significant contributions to medicine, biomedical research, and public health systems both in the United States and globally.
Dr. Nyan holds a medical degree from the Medical Faculty of Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, and has extensive training as a biomedical scientist and public health specialist within the US public health system. His career includes roles at prestigious institutions such as the US National Institutes of Health, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Walter Reed Naval Hospital of the Naval Medical Research Center.
Among his notable achievements is the invention of the Isothermal Multiplex Diagnostic Test for Infectious Diseases, commonly known as the “NYAN TEST.” This innovative diagnostic tool has transformed the global approach to detecting infectious diseases, earning Dr. Nyan international acclaim and establishing him as a pioneer in the field.
As the new Director-General of NPHIL, Dr. Nyan will lead an institution crucial to Liberia’s public health sector. The NPHIL’s role in disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency management is akin to the combined functions of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of innovation and excellence in Liberia’s public health sector.
Dr. Nyan’s appointment has been widely welcomed, reflecting his well-recognized expertise and commitment to public health. As he assumes this role, there is strong hope that his vision and leadership will further enhance Liberia’s public health systems, ensuring better preparedness for current and future health challenges.
In closing, Dr. Nyan reaffirmed his dedication to the people of Liberia, Africa, and the global community, promising to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism in his leadership of NPHIL. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Liberia’s public health sector, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a robust and effective health infrastructure.
