Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, provided a detailed update on the status of Mpox (monkeypox) and other viral outbreaks in the country. Speaking at a press conference at the NPHIL headquarters in Congo Town, Dr. Nyan addressed journalists, offering insights into the ongoing response efforts, lessons learned, and plans for managing health crises.
The briefing started with an overview of Liberia’s efforts to manage Mpox, declared a health concern by the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2024. Dr. Nyan noted that Liberia has been responding to Mpox for several years, and although the country initially recorded between 16 to 18 cases, as of the press conference, the number of confirmed cases had risen to 63, with 27 recoveries. Dr. Nyan expressed satisfaction with the country’s progress, highlighting no reports of misinformation in the press since the outbreak’s announcement. He credited the media for their cooperation, stating that journalists had accurately reported information and sought clarification whenever necessary.
Dr. Nyan explained the process of identifying and diagnosing Mpox, stressing the importance of understanding the various stages of the disease. He outlined the classification system that includes probable, suspected, and confirmed cases, noting that these definitions were critical in ensuring that cases were accurately identified and reported. He emphasized the crucial role of communication in public health, thanking journalists for disseminating correct information, which had helped prevent the spread of misinformation during the outbreak.
Dr. Nyan pointed out that one of the major challenges in managing Mpox was the lack of sufficient medical materials and medications. Despite these limitations, NPHIL has improvised, ensuring patients receive care and recover. Dr. Nyan commended the dedication of health workers and the team at NPHIL for their resourcefulness and commitment to addressing the Mpox outbreak. He further acknowledged the support Liberia had received from international bodies such as the Africa CDC, WHO, and the West African Health Organization (WAHO), which had sent teams to assess Liberia’s response efforts.
Dr. Nyan also discussed the issue of vaccines, noting that Liberia was working with the Africa CDC to secure emergency-use vaccines for Mpox. These vaccines, Dr. Nyan explained, are different from regular vaccines like those for polio or hepatitis, as they are developed under emergency conditions during outbreaks. The technology behind these vaccines, including mRNA technology, has evolved rapidly, allowing for faster development and deployment. Dr. Nyan highlighted the role of international collaboration in vaccine development, pointing out that while these vaccines are not subjected to the same rigorous clinical trials as regular vaccines, they are crucial in controlling outbreaks like Mpox.
In addition to discussing Mpox, Dr. Nyan provided updates on Liberia’s efforts to combat other viral diseases, such as Lassa fever, which has also been a cause for concern. Dr. Nyan revealed that Liberia had recorded 39 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 231 suspected cases. He clarified that “suspected cases” referred to individuals showing symptoms consistent with the disease, and samples were taken for further testing to confirm the diagnosis. The availability of sequencing technology, which was a recent addition to Liberia’s public health arsenal, has dramatically enhanced the ability to diagnose and track diseases like Lassa fever accurately.
Dr. Nyan elaborated on the sequencing capabilities now available at NPHIL, which allow the institute to conduct more precise research on pathogens. He explained that sequencing enables the identification of specific strains of viruses, such as Lassa fever and Mpox, which is critical in tailoring treatment and response strategies. He also discussed Liberia’s involvement in regional and international collaborations to advance public health research. These collaborations are significant in the context of viral hemorrhagic fevers, which are endemic to West Africa and Liberia’s role in regional surveillance and response efforts.
The Director-General also addressed the issue of viral hemorrhagic fever in neighboring Sierra Leone, where there had been concerns about a suspected case in the eastern part of the country. Dr. Nyan noted that Liberia cooperates closely with public health agencies in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and other West African nations, particularly during the Ebola outbreak. This regional cooperation ensures that any suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever are swiftly addressed and investigated, with shared resources and expertise aiding in diagnosing and containing such outbreaks.
Dr. Nyan emphasized the importance of transparent communication between neighboring countries and international partners, stating that it was essential for Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea to work together to prevent the spread of viral diseases. He reassured the public that Liberia’s surveillance systems were on high alert, regularly testing for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Lassa fever and Ebola, to ensure that potential outbreaks are identified and addressed promptly.
The press conference also highlighted Liberia’s progress in vaccine and diagnostic research. Dr. Nyan explained that NPHIL was focused on responding to current outbreaks and working towards self-sufficiency in producing diagnostic tests and vaccines for diseases that affect the region. He expressed optimism about the potential of local scientists and the capabilities being developed at NPHIL to contribute to the continent’s efforts in vaccine and diagnostic research. Dr. Nyan stated that NPHIL was collaborating with regional and international research institutions to build the infrastructure needed for the future production of vaccines and diagnostics.
Looking ahead, Dr. Nyan shared NPHIL’s vision of transforming Liberia into a hub for public health research and development in West Africa. He described the country’s strides in improving its research capacity, including the acquisition of state-of-the-art sequencing technology, which is key to advancing Liberia’s ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases. He also outlined NPHIL’s commitment to training the next generation of scientists and public health professionals who will play a crucial role in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to protect public health.
In conclusion, Dr. Nyan expressed his gratitude to the media, international partners, and all those involved in the public health response. He reiterated that Liberia’s success in managing outbreaks like Mpox and Lassa fever would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. Dr. Nyan vowed that NPHIL would continue improving Liberia’s public health infrastructure and response capabilities, ensuring that the country remains vigilant and prepared for future outbreaks.
