WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, is currently representing the country at a major international health gathering convened at Washington University. The event celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis (DOLF) Project, a milestone in the global fight against two of the world’s most persistent and neglected tropical diseases.
The conference brings together scientists, public health experts, and policymakers from across the globe to review progress, share research findings, and strengthen partnerships aimed at eradicating Onchocerciasis (widely known as River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis (commonly referred to in Liberia as Big Foot). These debilitating diseases have long plagued rural populations in developing nations, including Liberia, where they continue to exact a significant toll on health and productivity.
At the heart of Liberia’s contribution to the DOLF Project is the collaboration between NPHIL and Washington University, which has spearheaded clinical trials and field research designed to curb transmission and provide evidence-based strategies for elimination. Liberia’s Fuamah District in Bong County serves as a key field site for these trials, underscoring the country’s vital role in the global health initiative.
Dr. Nyan’s participation at the conference reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to tackling neglected tropical diseases through science, data, and community engagement. It also signals a renewed dedication under his leadership to elevate NPHIL’s profile as a serious player in the international public health arena. As he joins leading experts in reflecting on 15 years of the DOLF Project, Dr. Nyan is expected to highlight the challenges faced in Liberia’s remote communities and the strides being made in combating preventable diseases through sustained partnerships.
The DOLF Project, established in 2009, has become a cornerstone in the global health community’s response to neglected diseases, focusing on novel drug regimens and effective community-based treatment models. For Liberia, which continues to rebuild its public health infrastructure in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis and other systemic challenges, the collaboration represents more than just scientific inquiry—it is a lifeline for countless vulnerable populations.
Beyond the science, the project emphasizes capacity building, with Liberian public health workers and researchers gaining critical skills and experience. According to NPHIL, such international engagements are not only advancing disease elimination efforts but also helping to modernize the country’s health system and promote evidence-based policymaking.
While the diseases remain endemic in certain pockets of Liberia, recent surveillance data and field reports suggest measurable progress. Community drug distribution, combined with robust health education campaigns, has significantly reduced prevalence rates in several areas.
The Global Health Conference comes at a time when public health leaders are increasingly focused on equity and reaching underserved populations. Dr. Nyan’s presence at the event is expected to open new doors for Liberia in terms of research funding, technical support, and policy alignment with global health frameworks.
In his remarks, Dr. Nyan is anticipated to emphasize the importance of sustained commitment from both national authorities and international partners in the fight against neglected diseases. He is also expected to advocate for greater inclusion of African perspectives in shaping the global health research agenda.
