MONROVIA – In a decisive move to bolster Liberia’s public health response amid a growing Mpox concern, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), met with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the One United Nations Building in Monrovia.
The high-level engagement focused on reinforcing public health interventions and fostering stronger collaboration between NPHIL and UNDP as the country grapples with 25 active Mpox cases. Dr. Nyan confirmed the cases earlier this week, assuring the public that there have been no fatalities to date. By contrast, neighboring Sierra Leone has recorded 1,904 active cases and 14 deaths, raising regional concerns.
Dr. Nyan, who had earlier participated in the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) press briefing, emphasized the importance of sustained media engagement and accurate information dissemination during health crises. He urged the public to remain calm and strictly observe preventive health measures issued by national health authorities. “This is a time for collective vigilance and cooperation,” Dr. Nyan said, while calling on journalists and media houses to align with the national health campaign to counter misinformation and promote behavioral change.
Later in the evening, popular Liberian music star JZyNo paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Nyan, pledging his support for the national Mpox awareness campaign. JZyNo committed to using his artistic platform to amplify the message of prevention and public health education. “This is about protecting our people,” he said, noting that artists have a vital role in supporting national initiatives.
The meeting between NPHIL and UNDP is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Liberia’s public health infrastructure, enhance disease surveillance, and mobilize both national and international support as the country monitors the Mpox situation.
