Liberia’s National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) has been designated a Regional Center of Excellence for National Public Health Institute (NPHI) Development by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This prestigious recognition underscores Liberia’s remarkable progress in strengthening its public health infrastructure and its commitment to advancing disease control throughout Africa. The designation follows a rigorous evaluation process of NPHIs across the continent and aligns with the Africa CDC’s strategic objective of bolstering disease control policies and enhancing public health capacities within its member states. This achievement not only highlights Liberia’s leadership in public health but also serves as an inspiration for other nations striving to enhance their health security frameworks.
The journey to this milestone has been significantly shaped by Liberia’s experiences grappling with major health crises. The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, which severely impacted Liberia and two other West African nations, exposed critical vulnerabilities in the country’s public health systems. Subsequently, the COVID-19 pandemic further tested and ultimately strengthened Liberia’s response mechanisms. These challenges spurred significant investments and improvements in the nation’s public health infrastructure, disease surveillance capabilities, and emergency response protocols. These advancements have positioned NPHIL to effectively lead regional health initiatives and contribute significantly to the broader African health security agenda.
NPHIL’s new role as a Regional Center of Excellence will involve providing technical assistance, training, and mentorship programs to support the development of other national public health institutions across Africa. The Institute will function as a central hub, facilitating knowledge sharing and the dissemination of best practices in disease surveillance, outbreak response, public health research, and workforce development. This collaborative approach aims to harmonize public health policies and programs across the continent, creating a more unified and effective response to health threats. NPHIL’s leadership will be instrumental in fostering collaboration among African nations to strengthen their collective capacity to address public health challenges.
The designation of NPHIL is not only a recognition of Liberia’s progress but also an integral part of the Africa CDC’s broader strategy. This strategy aims to establish a robust network of National Public Health Institutes across the continent, reinforcing health security under the New Public Health Order for Africa. This framework emphasizes a proactive and integrated approach to public health, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and rapid response to health threats. The network of Centers of Excellence will serve as crucial nodes in this network, driving capacity building and facilitating coordinated action. This initiative directly supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a continent equipped with strong health institutions capable of effectively and autonomously addressing public health emergencies.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, expressed his enthusiasm for the designation, emphasizing NPHIL’s unwavering commitment to advancing public health across Africa and contributing to global health security. He views the recognition as a testament to the dedication and expertise of Liberia’s public health professionals. Under his leadership, NPHIL will continue to spearhead efforts in disease surveillance, emergency response, and capacity building for the African continent. This commitment underscores Liberia’s dedication to playing a leading role in strengthening health systems and promoting health security across Africa. The collaboration between NPHIL and the Africa CDC will be instrumental in driving progress towards a healthier and more secure future for the continent.
The official invitation for NPHIL to assume this role was extended by Africa CDC Director General H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya in January 2025. NPHIL has formally accepted the designation and has commenced collaborative efforts with the Africa CDC and regional counterparts to accelerate public health advancements throughout the continent. This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in strengthening continental health security and fostering a more resilient and prepared Africa. The selection of NPHIL as a Center of Excellence marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s public health journey, solidifying the country’s role as a leader in disease prevention and health security in Africa, and setting a precedent for other nations to emulate.
