MONROVIA – After confirming Liberia’s first Mpox case, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), reaffirmed the country’s readiness to combat the outbreak during a media briefing on September 3, 2024. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) Press Briefing, Dr. Nyan outlined the strategic response being coordinated by NPHIL in partnership with the Ministry of Health, underlining the importance of public cooperation in curbing the virus’s spread.
Joined by Deputy Director-General for Technical Services, Dr. Julius Gilayeneh, and the chairman of NPHIL’s Board of Directors, Dr. Stephen Kennedy, Dr. Nyan emphasized the necessity of adhering to public health measures. He called on the media to play a vital role in raising awareness, stressing that the collaboration between the press and public health institutions is crucial in effectively educating the population on preventive measures.
The confirmed Mpox case, disclosed by Dr. Nyan on September 2, 2024, involves a seven-year-old girl from Jeadepo, Dodrukon, Sinoe County. This revelation came after the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern. In response, Liberia’s Incident Management System (IMS) has been activated to coordinate resources and manage the situation.
“We have activated our response mechanisms across the country, and our focus remains on protecting all residents within our borders,” Dr. Nyan asserted. He assured the public that NPHIL’s Communication Division would provide regular updates and urged adherence to public health guidelines to prevent further spread.
Reflecting on Liberia’s preparedness, Dr. Nyan highlighted that the country had already begun implementing surveillance and response mechanisms before the international declarations by WHO and Africa CDC. Drawing on past experiences with outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19, he emphasized the importance of a proactive approach.
“Over two weeks ago, the WHO and Africa CDC declared Mpox a health situation of international concern, prompting countries to activate their preparedness and response systems,” Dr. Nyan said. “However, in Liberia, we had already been monitoring and preparing for potential outbreaks, recognizing the importance of a proactive approach.”
Dr. Nyan noted that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been present in Liberia since the 1970s, with sporadic detections and minor outbreaks. The current global situation, particularly in African nations such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, highlights the urgent need for vigilance given the extensive travel and trade within the region.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Nyan reiterated NPHIL’s commitment to safeguarding Liberia’s public health and maintaining transparency in managing this threat. “We are vigilant, prepared, and ready to act to ensure that Liberia remains safe from the potential spread of Mpox. We encourage all Liberians to follow public health guidelines and stay informed through official channels.”
This press briefing marks another step in NPHIL’s ongoing efforts to protect Liberia from the dangers of Mpox, with Dr. Nyan leading the charge in fostering public awareness and preparedness.
