Monrovia โ Maryland County Senator Hon. Gbleh-bo Brown paid an unannounced visit today to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), where he offered strong commendation to Director-General Dougbeh Chris Nyan and his dedicated staff for their exceptional efforts in safeguarding public health.
Senator Brown’s impromptu visit underscored his appreciation for NPHIL’s rapid progress and hard work, particularly in effectively managing the ongoing Mpox outbreak and other emerging public health threats facing the nation. His recognition highlights the critical role NPHIL plays in Liberia’s health security.
A key point of appreciation from Senator Brown was NPHIL’s recent admission of public health students from W.V.S. Tubman University into its Internship Program. This initiative demonstrates NPHIL’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of public health professionals in Liberia, providing them with invaluable practical experience.
Director-General Dougbeh Chris Nyan, a renowned molecular diagnostics expert and recipient of the 2017 African Innovation Prize for Social Impact, has been at the helm of NPHIL since his appointment in August 2024. Under his leadership, NPHIL has been actively managing the national Mpox response through its Incident Management System (IMS), including surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and coordination with national and international partners. Recent reports indicate a decline in active Mpox cases, though Nyan has cautioned about potential increases once backlogged testing resumes due to global kit shortages.
Senator Brown’s visit serves as a significant morale boost for NPHIL staff and reinforces the importance of strong political support for public health institutions. His commendation emphasizes the collaborative spirit required to address Liberia’s health challenges and ensure a robust public health system.