MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) is currently hosting a high-level Regional Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Workshop in Monrovia as the West African region faces an ongoing Mpox outbreak. The workshop, held at the Cape Hotel in Mamba Point, brings together delegates from all 15 West African countries, including officials from their respective public health institutes.
Leading the visiting delegation is Dr. Alinon Kokou, Regional Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), whose participation underscores the importance of coordinated public health strategies across the region.
The primary objective of the workshop is to strengthen risk communication and community engagement systems for effective public health emergency preparedness and response. Discussions focus on how accurate and timely communication can improve disease surveillance, foster community trust, and support coordinated outbreak responses.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan paid a courtesy call on Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, in advance of the day’s sessions. Dr. Nyan reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to regional collaboration and proactive health security.
As public health institutions across the continent continue to respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious threats, the Monrovia workshop serves as a critical platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building. The presence of Africa CDC’s leadership and participation by all ECOWAS member states highlight the urgency of building effective communication systems to stop the spread of diseases like Mpox.
