Liberia’s President Boakai has pledged a significant investment in the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, promising the construction of diagnostic centers across the country. This commitment aims to address the persistent challenges citizens face in accessing timely and accurate medical diagnoses, ultimately reducing unexplained deaths and improving healthcare outcomes. The President’s vision underscores the critical role of early disease detection in managing both existing and emerging health threats. This initiative resonates with the experiences of Liberia in battling epidemics like Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
The announcement of this ambitious plan coincided with the tenth-anniversary celebration of Celebrate Lab @West Africa Conference 2025 and Africa Bio Enterprise, held in Monrovia. Ambassador-At-Large Charles A. Snetter, representing President Boakai, emphasized the President’s unwavering commitment to this initiative, underscoring the profound impact accurate and accessible diagnostics can have on public health. The conference, themed “Propelling Our Professionals into the Future of Now,” brought together local and international health professionals, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in strengthening healthcare systems.
Ambassador Snetter praised Celebrate Lab @West Africa’s decade-long contribution to the advancement of laboratory science and research in the region. He acknowledged the organization’s pivotal role in fostering innovation, expanding research programs, introducing new technologies, and empowering young scientists. The Ambassador emphasized that the construction of diagnostic centers would require collaborative efforts between the government, the Ministry of Health, and the National Public Health Institute. This partnership would ensure the development of specialized facilities capable of handling clinical, medical, and research laboratory work, thereby creating a comprehensive and robust diagnostic network.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), provided context to the significance of this undertaking. He traced the origins of Celebrate Lab back to the collective efforts of laboratory scientists in Liberia and across the continent, who recognized the need for an institution dedicated to advancing diagnostic science, research, and innovation. This vision gained momentum during the 2014 Ebola crisis, which underscored the critical role of diagnostic capabilities in effective epidemic response. The establishment of NPHIL itself was a direct result of this recognized need.
Dr. Nyan further explained how Celebrate Lab, propelled by Africa Bio Enterprises, evolved into a continental platform advocating for the recognition and professional development of laboratory personnel. The conferences held in Ghana and Nigeria focused on strengthening laboratory responses to epidemics and pandemics, highlighting the crucial role of diagnostic services in managing public health crises. The consistent emphasis on recognizing laboratory technologists as laboratory scientists, especially at the master’s level, reflects the growing recognition of the crucial contribution of these professionals to medical science and research.
Ellen Munemo, program director for ICM Macro, echoed the sentiments of celebration and recognition for the tireless work of laboratory professionals. Returning to Liberia for the tenth-anniversary conference symbolized the journey of Celebrate Lab and its impact across West Africa. Munemo emphasized that the gathering was not merely a celebration but an acknowledgement of the vital, often behind-the-scenes work that laboratory professionals perform to protect public health. Her message of encouragement resonated with the dedication of these professionals, reminding them of their crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem, even if their contributions are not always in the public spotlight. This initiative, championed by President Boakai, promises a significant stride towards strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system and improving the lives of its citizens.
