SAN PEDRO – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and Côte d’Ivoire have reinforced their commitment to regional health security through a cross-border symposium on Mpox preparedness and response. The event, held from February 11 to 13, 2025, in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, brought together public health officials, experts, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and strategies on surveillance, preparedness, and response to the Mpox outbreak announced by Africa-CDC and WHO around mid-August 2024.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of NPHIL, praised the collaboration, stating, “this initiative will significantly enhance our ability to monitor, prepare for, and respond to Mpox and other emerging diseases. I congratulate all participants from both Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire for their dedication to this crucial cross-border engagement.”
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Public Health Agency of Côte d’Ivoire coorganized the workshop, with technical support from the West African Health Organization (WAHO). The Liberian delegation was led by Advertus Nyan Mianah, One-Health Coordinator of Liberia at NPHIL, who highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling infectious disease threats.
On his part, Dr. Virgil Kuassi Lokossou, Acting Director of Health Care Services at WAHO, led the bilateral discussions on behalf of WAHO Director-General Dr. Melchior Athanase Aissi. He emphasized that the meeting aligned with ECOWAS’ regional cross-border strategy, aimed at strengthening health security, resource mobilization, and cooperation among member states.
“In an era where infectious diseases know no borders, collaborative efforts such as this are crucial for building more integrated and resilient health systems. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of both nations to regional cooperation, proactive health measures, and the safeguarding of communities against emerging and re-emerging health threats,” Dr. Lokossou stated. He added that this engagement is instrumental in shaping policies and mobilizing social and political support for a unified health agenda across West Africa.
NPHIL expressed gratitude to Dr. Lokossou and the WAHO team for spearheading the event and facilitating meaningful discussions. “NPHIL is committing to making the cross-border symposium an annual event, with hopes of expanding it to include Guinea and Sierra Leone in the future in order to strengthen collaboration on disease surveillance, preparedness, and response for a healthier and more secure West Africa,” Dr. Nyan added.
