spot_imgspot_img
Tuesday, October 8, 2024

LIBERIA STRENGTHENS PUBLIC HEALTH DEFENSES WITH NPHIL’S NEW CLASS OF DISEASE DETECTIVES AMID RISING OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS

Date:

MONROVIA – Liberia’s commitment to public health continues to deepen under the leadership of Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). As the country remains vigilant in the face of potential health threats, NPHIL’s strategic planning and capacity-building efforts have kept Liberia ahead of the curve in managing outbreaks. Over the weekend, these efforts culminated in the graduation of nine individuals from NPHIL’s intensive Epidemiology Training Program, enhancing the nation’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to health crises.

The training, held at NPHIL’s headquarters in Monrovia, equipped participants with advanced skills in epidemiology—the study of how diseases spread, their causes, and the strategies for prevention. As Liberia works to bolster its public health infrastructure, epidemiologists are at the forefront, gathering and analyzing critical data to identify risk factors, track disease outbreaks, and improve policy and intervention strategies.

  • Save

At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Nyan praised the graduates of the Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program (LFETP), thanking the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) for their support. “An addition of more disease detectives enhances NPHIL’s capacity for disease surveillance, response, and management,” said Dr. Nyan. “A big thank-you to the US-CDC and AFENET for facilitating and sponsoring this essential training over the years.”

The ceremony drew praise on social media, with well-wishers from across the public health community celebrating the graduates. Henry Foday-Musa, Jr., one of the commenters, lauded the new cohort, saying, “Congratulations to all graduates for your willingness to keep learning new skills. Special thanks to NPHIL and its partner organizations for ensuring that more disease detectives are trained. Kudos!” Another commenter, Joel Russell, expressed hope to join future sessions, emphasizing the value of learning from the best in the field.

Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, also sharing his thoughts, urged the graduates to remain proactive in applying their new skills. “Now that you’ve completed your training, it’s important to continuously apply and expand upon the knowledge you’ve gained. Keep pushing boundaries, engage in innovative research, and contribute to real-world solutions.”

  • Save

The completion of this epidemiology training follows closely on the heels of a one-week emergency management program, which included NPHIL staff and military field epidemiologists representing all 15 counties of Liberia. Held on September 13, 2024, this training, organized in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), focused on strengthening Liberia’s preparedness to respond to outbreaks such as MPOX. Dr. Nyan described the training as “an essential component of our preparedness efforts.”

Liberia’s battle against infectious diseases, including MPOX, Lassa fever, and measles, continues with strong support from both local and international partners. Dr. Nyan expressed his deep gratitude for their contributions, particularly in facilitating Incident Management System (IMS) meetings at NPHIL, which have been crucial in shaping the country’s outbreak response strategy.

“The NPHIL is exceedingly grateful to all partner institutions and counties for their unwavering support,” Dr. Nyan said. “Their contributions in resources and strategic planning have been instrumental in strengthening Liberia’s public health defenses.”

With the recent budgetary allocation by the Liberian government for outbreak response, including the fight against MPOX, Dr. Nyan remains optimistic about Liberia’s capacity to manage future public health threats. He stressed that ongoing collaboration and the sharing of resources will be key to sustaining the nation’s readiness.

As Liberia trains more epidemiologists, the country’s resilience against outbreaks grows stronger, underlining the importance of continuous learning and strategic partnerships in safeguarding public health.

Socrates Smythe Saywon
Socrates Smythe Saywon is a Liberian journalist. You can contact me at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or reach out via email at saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com or saywonsocrates3@gmail.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

BOAKAI’S MISPLACED AMBITIONS AS LIBERIA BLEEDS AND THE PRESIDENT COURTS GLOBAL VANITY

Eight months into his presidency, Joseph Boakai’s administration is...

TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MPOX – STAY ALERT, STAY PROTECTED

As Liberia confronts the resurgence of Mpox, the confirmation...

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR HIGH SALARIES OF BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AMID ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

In the midst of Liberia's current economic struggles, revelations...

LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS: A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AMID ESCALATING TENSIONS

The recent clash between the Coalition for Democratic Change...

COMMENTARY

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

IS JOSEPH BOAKAI LISTENING TO PROTESTS AROUND AFRICA?

A Commentary By Wondah L. Jah In January, Joseph Boakai,...

LATEST NEWS

WHO ARE SOME OF THE POSSIBLE NAMES ON THE US, UN AND EU SANCTIONS

MONROVIA – The voice of the Catholic Church in...

LIBERIA: 34 DEFENSE LAWYERS FILE MOTION TO BAIL FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE SCOTT

MONROVIA – A horde of 34 defense lawyers representing...

FOREIGN MINISTER REAFFIRMS PRES. WEAH’S RESOLVE TO FREE, FAIR POLLS IN OCTOBER 2023

LIBERIA – Liberia’s Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Saah Kemayah...

WASHINGTON DC: ZIG ZAG, BILITY AND WERNER ARE DESTABILIZING FORCES – INVESTIGATORS

Main photo: Zig Zag Marzah, an ex-rebel of ULIMO-K LIBERIA...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

ELEVATING THE AG BIBLE COLLEGE TO A UNIVERSITY: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

By Jacob N.B. Parley After many years of successful preaching...

THE DILEMMA OF PRESIDENTIAL SUPREMACY IN LIBERIA: EXAMINING THE BALANCE OF POWER

By Dr. Clarence R. Pearson, Sr. Superior presidency is the...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link